Damon “Redd” Thompson stands as one of the most dominant and transformative football student-athletes in the history of Virginia State University and the CIAA. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Thompson redefined excellence at the wide receiver position and set records that continue to define Trojan football.
A three-time First Team All-CIAA, HBCU All-American, and NCAA Division II First Team All-American (1998–2000), Thompson’s sustained dominance placed him among the nation’s elite. He was a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist in each of those three seasons, the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy.
In 2000, Thompson’s 262 career receptions set the all-time NCAA Division II record, and he finished his career as Virginia State University’s and the CIAA’s all-time leading receiver. He was named CIAA Player of the Year three times, earning offensive honors in 1998 and 1999 and the rare distinction of being recognized for both offense and defense in 1999.
One of the most versatile players in Division II history, Thompson excelled as a receiver, punt returner, and kickoff returner. He ranked fourth all-time in NCAA Division II career all-purpose yards (7,986), 10th all-time in career receiving yards (4,387), and sixth all-time in career receiving yards per game (115.4). In 2000, he was crowned the NCAA Division II annual champion in all-purpose yards, totaling 1,994 yards.
Thompson studied Health, Physical Education and Recreation with a concentration in Sports Marketing at Virginia State University and began his professional football career with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League.
Inducted into the CIAA Hall of Fame in 2013, Thompson now resides in Richmond, Virginia, where he serves as a servant leader, entrepreneur, and mentor through Focus Inc. and the Hardcover Foundation, empowering communities through behavioral and mental health services, non-medical transportation, sports performance training, mentorship, and nonprofit initiatives. He honors the lasting influence of his late mother, Linda S. Thompson, and credits Virginia State University as a defining chapter of his life.
Damon “Redd” Thompson’s induction into the VSU Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes a career defined by record-setting excellence, versatility, leadership, and an enduring legacy as one of the greatest players in VSU and CIAA football history.
