Brandon Thompson (American football)

Brandon Thompson (born October 19, 1989) is an American football defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Bengals in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football at Clemson.

Early years

Thompson attended Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Georgia. As a senior, he had 19 sacks and 61 tackles.

Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Thompson was listed as the ninth best defensive tackle prospect of his class.

College career

Thompson was originally redshirted as a freshman in 2008, but had the redshirt taken off after an injury to Jamie Cumbie. He played in the teams final 12 games and recorded 15 tackles and a sack. As a sophomore in 2009, he started all 13 games and had 27 tackles. As a junior in 2010, he had 41 tackles and a sack.

Professional career

Thompson was drafted by the Bengals in the third round, 93rd overall, in the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2013, he played in all 16 regular-season games, starting the last seven games, which included the Wild Card playoff game, where he replaced the injured Geno Atkins.

On March 25, 2016, Thompson signed a 1-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals that will keep him through the 2016 season.