Darrell Thompson, former Green Bay Packer and University of Minnesota running back, visited BSM to speak to the senior high class. Through his story, Thompson conveyed the power of kindness, service, and resilience, encouraging BSM students to actively participate in their communities.
Although Thompson intended to speak at BSM a year ago, the school was let out due to a snowstorm, and his speaking engagement was rescheduled for last Friday. “One of the teachers here, a family friend, asked me to speak about a year ago, [but] I think we had a snowstorm… so that didn’t work out and then we got to reschedule for today,” Thompson said.
Thompson is the president of Bolder Options, a volunteer organization dedicated to providing middle-school youth with a supportive mentor who will guide them with the organization’s values: lifelong learning, healthy living, emotional development, and community connectivity. Bolder Options leads youth activities, offers a curriculum of volunteer speakers, and helps mentees set goals and connect with the community.
From the influence of his parents, who were college athletes and active volunteers, Thompson learned to work hard and realized the importance of giving back to the community. Thompson said that his commitment to Bolder Options is based on a desire to support young people and give back the kindness he received from many people in his life. “It’s about the kids [and] about seeing the impact that that [our organization makes] on the kids, on the community,” Thompson said.
One of the biggest skills Thompson learned from his career in football and his position at Bolder Options is resilience. Playing NFL football taught him to be confident in himself and when older players reached out to offer him advice, it influenced him to give back the same kindness. At Bolder Options, this need for resilience persists. “One of the hardest things that I have to do [is] every single day… I’ve got to write notes. I’ve got to make calls. I’ve got to do emails. I don’t always want to do it. And sometimes it gets a little bit nerve-racking… [but] it’s taught me a lot about resilience and a lot about not giving up, and also trying to encourage other people,” Thompson said.
Thompson ended his talk with four pieces of advice for students: to listen, smile, be kind, and get involved in the community. “Hopefully [these students] realize how important they are… the importance of giving back, and also getting involved in the community,” Thompson said.