Falcons Rookie Anterio Thompson Ends Football Career After Diagnosis

Thompson, a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, said doctors told him a genetic mutation affecting his spinal cord would prevent him from playing football again. The 24-year-old had been pursuing his NFL debut after playing for Washington in 2025.

He had been on Atlanta’s roster designation for an injury unrelated to football since training camp and had been away from the club starting in spring. His condition kept him off the field through the offseason and preseason.

In an Instagram post on October 29, Thompson described the news as difficult to process, saying he had hoped to decide for himself when to end his playing career. He later clarified that his post was not a request for sympathy, and said he did not plan to discuss the diagnosis publicly again.

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski had been asked about Thompson on October 30 and said he had no update before the diagnosis became public. Thompson recorded 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss at Washington last season. He also played at Iowa Western, Iowa and Western Michigan before joining the Huskies.