Franchise ResourcesOne of a kind
Young, talented and full of potential, Markell Thompson's football career was tragically cut short after being diagnosed with a lymphatic disease.
Courtesy of www.muskegohitmen.com
Whether it’s dominating an offensive lineman on his way to another sack, or he’s sneaking in a game to play quarterback during an all star game, Markell Thompson always played the game of football with passion, heart, and a youthful excitement that made him fun to watch.
Markell grew up in Milwaukee, and went to Dominican High School. Like many kids in the area, he loved the game of football. However, unlike many kids in the area, Markell grew to 6 feet 6 inches and 265 pounds. His combination of size, speed, and strength made him a force on the football field. He left home to play defensive end at Southwest Mississippi State Junior College before being recruited by Ron Zook and transferring to the University of Florida to play for the Florida Gators. It was there that Markell showed his versatility as a football player, moving to the offensive side of the ball to play tight end.
Thompson was on the rise, and catching the attention of college teams and pro scouts alike. Then, in 2005, a broken leg sidelined Markell for the remainder of his senior season. Despite the injury, he was still considered an NFL prospect going in to the 2006 season. However, the time it took to recover from his broken leg proved a bit off and, although he was able to participate in his college Pro Day as well as several pro try-outs, he wasn’t quite able to perform at the level Markell knew he was capable of performing. It was then that he turned to the IFL. Markell knew that he needed a full season of football under his belt to get his body back in to his prime for another push for a pro career. He joined the Muskego Hitmen in 2007 and quickly became a star both on and off the field. “I wasn’t sure how he would receive the team or how the team would receive him,” Head Coach Jason Blawat said. “It isn’t every day that an NFL prospect and a College National Champion joins a team in the IFL.” As it turned out, Markell joining the Hitmen was one of the best things that happened to the team. “He was a fun guy to have around,” Blawat said. “Always joking around and having fun, but a monster on the football field.” “The coolest part about him was how humble the guy was. He never once tried to put himself above the team or talked about how he did things in college. He was a great player, teammate, and friend.” Markell’s love for the game and love of life was infectious to all the players on the team. This guy would catch 6 passes for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns, and two hours later you would find him at a local establishment in Muskego with his signature straw “farmer’s hat” mingling with the fans and having a blast.
The 2007 season for the Hitmen was also a great success. They enjoyed an undefeated regular season and had the lead in the IFL Ironbowl with less than 2 minutes to play before falling to the Franklin Outlaws for the championship. Still, Markell had a great year, leading the Muskego Hitmen in several offensive categories, earning a spot on the all-star team, and becoming the first tight end to earn the honors of Ironman Football League MVP. It was upon accepting his award that he said that for the first time in a long time, football was fun again for him. His injury was recovered, he was rejuvenated, and he was ready for another run at a pro career.
It didn’t take long for the AFL 2 Peoria Pirates to take an interest in Markell. Pending a physical, his pro career would be under way. Unfortunately, his physical examination revealed abnormal kidney function. Once again, Thompson found himself in need of physical recovery. He recognized that the path to his pro career appeared to be in the Arena league, so he joined the Milwaukee Bonecrushers of the CIFL to gain more indoor experience. He also played his second season with the Muskego Hitmen, this time as a defensive end. “We were happy to have him back, but the circumstances were unfortunate,” Coach Blawat said. Still, 2008 proved to be a difficult season for Markell, not for his play on the field, but for what happened off the field. Markell’s father and biggest fan passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of the year. It was a tough loss for Markell and his family, but he showed courage and persevered through a difficult time in his life. On the field, he continued to be one of the most dominating players in the league, and once again earned a place on the IFL all-star team, this time as a defensive end. More importantly, his health seemed to have improved. His previous kidney problems did not appear to have any lasting effects and he was once again poised to give it another go with a pro career.
2009 looked to be a good year. The AFL 2 was coming back to Milwaukee, as the Milwaukee Iron was set for their inaugural season. This would be a chance for Markell to play professional football for his hometown. He tried out and, pending a physical, would be the newest member of the Iron. However, once again hope and promise turned to heartbreak as Markell’s kidney condition had worsened. At the time of the physical, doctors discovered that he has less than 50% of his normal kidney function. He was diagnosed with a lymphatic disease that targets kidney function, and if he were to take one direct hit to that area, he could lose complete function of his kidneys. It is still unknown as to what his prognosis will be. If the condition gets worse, it is possible that a transplant will be needed. This was a tough pill for Markell to swallow. He went into the doctor’s office expecting to get the green light to begin a professional football career. Instead he received news that he can never play football again.
Everyone who has played football has had or will have to retire at some point. However, you can imagine the heartbreak for Markell when his time came so soon. He is young, talented, and full of life, with a love of the game of football that runs deep. Even people who retire from football due to work, relocation, or a loss of desire to play anymore know they always have the option to play again. Markell was told he doesn’t have that option without major risk and, admittedly, he took the news pretty hard. It’s tough to be told that you can no longer do something that you feel so passionately about; especially when you can’t go out on your own terms. Amidst the anger, sadness, and confusion, Markell found solace in the thought that everything happens for a reason, and that God has a plan for him. “It’s got to be tough to have to reevaluate your life on a dime,” Blawat said. “When your main goal and focus is to play football and all of the sudden it’s taken away, that’s got to be a tough transition. One thing is for sure, and that is Markell Thompson will always be considered a part of the Muskego Hitmen family.”
Often in life, when one door closes another door opens. It’s difficult for Markell to make sense of all that has happened up to this point, but the hope is that something positive can come from this situation. With the realization of not playing football anymore, Markell has turned to focus on the things in his life that are important and that make a difference. He currently coaches at Whitefish Bay High School, which is something he can focus on. Helping kids has always been a major part of Markell’s life. He also has a young son of his own, who may turn out to be the next Reggie White. It was also rumored that Markell would like to explore the possibility of commentating football games. It would be tough to think of a more entertaining person to get behind the microphone. No matter where his path takes him, it’s a given that Markell will continue to bring energy, excitement, and fun to anything he decides to do. With a guy like him, you can take the football away from him, but you cannot break his spirit. Markell Thompson is definitely one of a kind.
