Shaq Thompson has lost weight. Twelve pounds, to be exact. When the Carolina Panthers drafted him out of the University of Washington as a hybrid linebacker-safety, Thompson weighed 228 pounds, and during the 2016 season, he consistently weighed 240. He put on that weight so that he could play more in the box, deliver the big hits, and operate more in the classic linebacker role that the NFL has known for so long. But he felt the weight throughout the season, feeling tired and heavy, and now he feels like after spending a season in the box, he can hold his own. So he spent the summer dieting to get back down to his rookie weight. How did he lose the weight?
“I starved myself.” the 23-year-old Thompson would skip breakfast most days, and even though some would call it the most important meal of the day, Thompson has a different view. “When you lose weight, it’s not that important.”
Thompson’s role in the Panthers’ defense constantly changes to reflect whatever the team needs on any given play, be it taking over the “mike” position usually occupied by Luke Kuechly when the all-world linebacker was injured last season or covering a shifty running back out of the backfield. Or even playing safety if his number is called. Thompson thinks the Panthers have great safety depth, but if asked, he’ll do anything. But if they don’t call his number, as the Panthers chose not to on 50% of their defensive snaps last season, he’ll work with that too.
“I understand my role, my role is to go in when my number’s called. That’s who I am and that’s what I do. I love and enjoy watching Thomas and Luke out there playing, they fly around, they do it in practice, they do it in games. I enjoy it, and I know when my number is called, I’ve got to go out there and be productive.” Thompson said on Saturday. “So it’s not ‘Oh, I want to play more,’ I’ve just got to know my role.”
Thompson has worked during the offseason with one goal in mind: get better at pass coverage. The lost weight should help with that from a quickness standpoint, as he now feels much more comfortable covering wide receivers. And rookie running back Christian McCaffrey is helping him achieve that goal as well. “The guy is shifty. He got me yesterday on a route,” Thompson said, “He’s going to make me better, I’m going to make him better. That’s how we’re going to compete and make each other better.”
“The more he shows what he’s capable of, the more the defensive coaches are willing to put on him, he’s done a nice job of handling all the responsibilities he’s had.”
-Head Coach Ron Rivera
It was thought that some of Thomas Davis’ snaps at linebacker might go to Thompson when defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said in January that the team planned to cut down on Davis’ reps and create some new packages for Shaq, but Thompson’s new frame may alter that plan. “I’m noticing right now that he’s flying around, but he did the same thing last year during training camp as well,” coach Ron Rivera said yesterday. With Davis’ future with the the team in flux at the moment, Shaq Thompson’s future is yet to be determined. No matter what the outcome is, Thompson will continue working to be the best player he can be.
“If my number’s called, most definitely.”
