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Chris Thompson is a local legend-- he is one of several athletes to walk the halls of Madison County High School and go on to make a name for themselves in the professional arena. After high school, Thompson signed with Florida State University. However, he had a rough time. In a game against Wake Forest, Thompson's back was broken; the injury subjected him to a long, hard recovery. He wasn't sure he would be noticed by the scouts-- but he was. Thompson was chosen by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round,154th overall pick, of the 2013 NFL draft. While Thompson's start was a little rocky, he never gave up-- even when he was placed on the injured list due to a torn shoulder. He eventually gained a spot on the practice squad. However, he worked hard and, in December of 2014, he was added to the Redskin's 53 man roster. On Dec. 14, 2014, in a game against the New York Giants, Thompson finally got playing time. Even better, during his first playing time of the season, he scored his first career touch down on his first career reception! After all of the injuries, set-backs and waiting, Chris Thompson has finally arrived. Chris still visits Madison County when time permits. Supervisor of Elections Tommy Hardee is good friends with Thompson-- they go way back to Thompson's days at MCHS when he was a young man with big dreams. On Thursday, Feb. 5, the athlete came to visit his friend, Mr. Hardee. They sat down in Hardee's office and were all smiles, joking around and talking about life. Best of all, they allowed this writer to join them, talk football and pick the mind of our hometown hero. Thompson reflected on his time with the Redskins and stressed that things didn't come easy-- he had to work hard and, most importantly, never let himself give up. “It was a long journey,” said Thompson. “My first year, I was on the active roster and doing fairly well until I had surgery on my shoulder. That pretty much ended my season.” Thompson continued, “When I came back the next season, they had big expectations for me. With the new coaching staff there was a fair chance for everybody. I really didn't perform like I thought I should have and was placed on the practice squad. As I was on practice squad, I was able to get better and improve in all of my skill sets. The coaches kept telling me to be patient because my time would come.” Chris Thompson's time did come. Upon mentioning his recent touchdown with the Washington Redskins, Thompson was all smiles. “The first game I played in, the first time I touched the ball, it was a touchdown. It was such a blessing to finally get the chance and the first time I do, it's a touchdown. It was the best feeling in the world.” Thompson knows there is still work to be done-- he plans on trying his best in the upcoming season. “I hope that I can do whatever possible to help us win,” said Thompson. “Even if I only get the ball twice a game, I hope to gain yards and score touchdowns. I've always been taught to dream big and because of this I have high expectations for myself. Whatever position they put me in, I just want to make the best of it. I want to win games.” Thompson has been determined to win games since an early age. As a kid, he became passionate about the sport by playing sandlot football. “Its what I loved to do,” said Thompson. He smiled as he recalled his first encounter with organized sports. “I was in 4th or 5th grade when I had the opportunity to play organized football with Pop Warner and, honestly, I was scared. I cried the first practice because, for some reason, I just felt that once I put on pads it would hurt and the hits would be a lot harder. Thinking about it now, it was a lot more dangerous playing on the dirt,” said Thompson with a grin. The young football star would quickly learn to play in pads and, more so, he would learn to excel. “I remember my first practice. They gave me the ball and I just took off for a long run and scored. The coach told the defense which way I was going to run in the next play but I took off and scored another touchdown. From then on, I was a running back.” Thompson would go on to play football at NFC, Madison County Central School and eventually at Madison County High School. After graduation, he committed to play football at Florida State University where, despite his best efforts, things became complicated. “I was able to have the opportunity to play at Florida State and that became the toughest time of my life-- injury-wise, football-wise; I just wanted to quit. But, my mom kept reminding me that God had a bigger plan and I ended up sticking with it. Even after not finishing both my Junior and Senior seasons at FSU, the Redskins drafted me.” In fact, Thompson's parents, family and friends have played a huge role in his football career. “They were all a big part of my life,” said Thompson. They all believed in me at times that I didn't even believe in myself. From when I was a little kid, up until now, they all saw there was something in me.” In addition, Thompson acknowledged the role God played in his life. “My family always had a strong Christian faith,” said Thompson. “They have always taught me that God has a plan, so I think that's what kept me going.” Chris Thompson isn't finished. He still has dreams of excelling further and becoming the best person and professional athlete he can be. He wants the same for Madison County's youth. “I know they hear it a lot, but there's only one way I can say it: follow your dreams,” said Thompson. “I think a lot about being from here and having hopes and dreams but sometimes it seems hard because we only see that stuff happen on T.V. in big cities. You begin to believe that's the only way good things can happen. I'm a living testimony that's not true. You can make it from here [Madison County]. It's a lot harder but it can happen. I know what kids have to deal with here. It's easy to just be complacent because, as kids, as adults, as teenagers, we begin to think that this is it for us. There's more to life; you've got to live to your full potential. It's all possible.” Chris Thompson is a kind and, despite his successes, humble individual. Towards the end of our meeting, Supervisor of Elections Tommy Hardee, added: “The neat thing about watching Chris is seeing how humble he is. He might say that, at times, he didn't see the focus, but he has been focused the whole time. He might go through a valley but that's what motivates him. How many people tear their ACL, break their back and still push forward? Most people would have thrown their sucker in the dirt and quit.” Chris is the son of Maurice and Cynthia James, of Greenville, and Jerome Thompson, of Greenville.