All-Time Bengals QBs Ranked: Anderson #1, Esiason #2

Jack Thompson

#12 · Cincinnati Bengals
Retired 6 Years In The NFL
🏆 2× First-team All-Pac-8/Pac-10 (1976, 1978)
Jack's
HAIR
7.2
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about Jack Thompson or the Bengals?

Jack Thompson Legacy

HEYTC AI
They called him the Throwin' Samoan, a 6'3" cannon from American Samoa who lit up the Pac-8 like a Polynesian fireworks show at Washington State, shattering NCAA passing records with 7,818 yards and earning All-American nods before the Bengals snatched him third overall in '79. Sure, the NFL script flipped—backup to Ken Anderson in Cincy, spot duty in Tampa—but man, that college legend endures: No. 14 retired at Wazzu, Polynesian Hall of Famer, forever the island kid who slung it with swagger and style.

Jack Thompson Rating Breakdown

Season
Non-Factor
Fantasy
Subpar
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
Cooked
4 years with the Bengals

Jack Thompson Career Stats via Wikipedia

5,315 Pass Yards
33 Touchdowns
45 INTs
0.0% Comp %
7.2 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About Jack Thompson

How does Joe Burrow compare to Jack Thompson?

Joe Burrow's got the arm, poise, and playoff scar tissue Jack Thompson could only dream of in the Forrest Gregg era—Burrow's already at 11,000+ yards through three seasons as Bengals starter, while Thompson scraped together 5,315 over six with 33 TDs amid shaky O-lines and 45 picks. Burrow's building on that Throwin' Samoan flash, not chasing it.

Is Jack Thompson in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nope, Jack Thompson's not in Canton—no bust for the Throwin' Samoan, who flickered as Bengals' third pick in '79 with 5,315 yards and 33 TDs before Tampa Bay finishes. He's got WSU immortality with his No. 14 retired and NCAA passing records, but Pro Football Hall snubbed him like a bad snap.

What is Jack Thompson doing now in 2026?

Jack Thompson's off the grid in 2026—no headlines on broadcasting gigs, business ventures, or charity runs for the old Samoan slinger. Last whispers from his Buccaneers days fade into retirement quiet, probably grilling in Seattle or mentoring WSU kids, far from Who Dey chatter. Guy earned his peace after 5,315 hard yards.

How would Jack Thompson perform in today's NFL?

Thompson's cannon arm—NCAA-record 7,818 college yards—would feast in today's pass-happy NFL with no bump-and-run corners and quick protections, maybe cracking 4,000 yards like his '80 Buccaneer tease. But 45 picks in 5,315 pro yards scream turnover machine; he'd need Mahomes-level magic to survive blitzes.

How does Jack Thompson compare to Ken Anderson?

Ken Anderson owned Cincy at 95.5 career rating with MVP shine and Super Bowl runs, while Thompson's 7.23 passer rating over 5,315 yards and 33 TDs looks like a stat line from the stone age—spot starter to Anderson's field general. Both Bengals QBs, but Kenny was the surgeon, Jack the wild swing.