Leonard Thompson (American football), Date of Birth, Place of Birth

Leonard Thompson (American football)

American football player

Date of Birth: 28-Jul-1952

Place of Birth: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Profession: American football player

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Leonard Irwin Thompson (born July 28, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League who spent his entire NFL career with the Detroit Lions (1975–1986). Thompson was an eighth-round pick in the 1975 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State.
He spent his first five seasons as a backup at halfback and wideout for the Lions (his position at halfback was why he wore #39 even after playing exclusively as a receiver, which is technically outside of the NFL's uniform numbering system [receivers were only limited to wearing numbers between 80 and 89 then]).
On December 11, 1977, Thompson blocked a David Lee punt on the Baltimore Colts 21 yard line, returning it 2 yards for a touchdown with 14 seconds left in the game.
The clutch play gave the Lions an improbable 13-10 victory. In 1980, Thompson earned a starting role as wide receiver opposite Freddie Scott.
Thompson caught 19 passes for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns.
He caught another 214 passes over the next six seasons, including 26 touchdowns.
He would lead the Lions in receiving in 1985 with 51 catches, for 736 yards and 5 scores. Thompson’s career ended when the Lions released him before the start of the 1987 season.
He played all 12 seasons of his career with the Lions, scoring 39 total touchdowns.