If you followed Florida State football in the 1980s, you remember Shelton Thompson — the big jolly guy who used to rock FSU’s jersey number 93. A Lake Gibson High product out of Lakeland, he came to Tallahassee and spent five seasons pushing the Seminoles’ defense. Sharing the field with a younger Deion Sanders, his dominant presence at the program left a lasting impression for years that went by. This is why this stings. Waking up to the news that the Nole legend is no longer with us is a fierce punch to the Nole community. 

The news of Shelton Thompson’s passing sent a wave of sorrow across the Nole family. FSU Football Director of Recruiting Devin Rispress paid tribute to Shelton Thompson in an X post on February 1. Posting a picture of the former Noles linebacker in uniform, he wrote a heartfelt caption on behalf of himself and the whole squad — “Rest in peace Shelton Thompson from Florida State Football. Prayers to his family.” A simple, yet powerful sentiment for a man who meant so much to the program.

Shelton Thompson had an imposing figure at 6’3, 248 pounds, which worked to everyone’s advantage — minus their opponents. From 1985 to 1989, he rounded up his collegiate career with 137 tackles and 14.5 sacks. But as formidable as he sounds, he was known for his jolly demeanor as FSU graduate Patrick Burnham confessed — “Sorry to learn of the passing of Shelton Thompson. When I was a kid growing up and being around the #FSU team, I always remember #Smokie having a smile on his face. #RIP.” What an impression he left behind both on and off the field!

Shelton Thompson’s legacy also extends beyond his playing days, resonating with his successors. Former Noles LB Marvin Jones, who played for FSU from 1990 to 1992, shared a heartfelt tribute, “Sending love & condolences to the family of our Nole brother Shelton Thompson !!! #RIP #SIP will be missed by many.” As part of the legendary 1985 signing class alongside Deion Sanders, Thompson helped lay the foundation that would transform FSU football. 

Shelton Thompson is part of FSU’s transformative class 

Under the guidance of former FSU HC, Bobby Bowden, and talented teammates like Deion Sanders and Odell Haggins, Shelton Thompson was able to lay the groundwork for the success of the Noles. The 1985 season marked the beginning of something special as they went 9-3, with a Gator Bowl win. The following four seasons met equal bowl success – All-American Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and another Fiesta Bowl. 

During his five years at FSU, the Noles went 48-15-3. His next step in the NFL didn’t match the level of success he had at FSU. He was taken in by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1990 but was waived in the preseason. While there’s not much to tell on the NFL side, his legacy as a Nole remains eternal. As we say goodbye to Shelton Thompson, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of this loss. He was more than a player — he was a brother, a teammate, and a part of the Seminoles’ legacy that lives on. 

RIP big man. Once a Nole, always a Nole.