Falcons rookie Anterio Thompson ends NFL career after diagnosis

Anterio Thompson will not play another professional football game.

The Falcons rookie defensive tackle announced the news on social media on Thursday. Thompson, a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, said he was told on May 8 that he would never play again. That date marked the first day of the team's rookie minicamp. The diagnosis stems from a genetic mutation in his spinal cord.

Thompson had been placed on the physically unable to perform and non-football injury list at the start of training camp. He stated he had no prior knowledge of the condition. Before the announcement, he played in two preseason games and appeared in six games during the regular season. His final regular season game came in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams. He recorded two sacks in that contest.

"It’s hard to explain what it feels like to go through the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in the matter of seconds," Thompson wrote in an Instagram story. "I believe everything happens for a reason and this was nothing but God protecting and giving me a reason to be closer to Him."

The Falcons had drafted Thompson out of Western Kentucky University. He was the first player selected from that program. The team originally planned to place him on the practice squad for the fall. Thompson described the period as a mix of highs and lows. He noted that the injury occurred during a routine training session in the summer.

Thompson credited his family and coaches for their support during his time with the team. He said he is grateful for the opportunity to be part of the organization. He plans to remain in Atlanta to complete his medical evaluations. The Falcons have not issued a separate statement regarding his release from the practice squad list.

The 2026 NFL season continues for the remainder of the roster. Thompson’s position will now be covered by other players on the depth chart. The team will evaluate its defensive line options for the upcoming week of games. Thompson remains in communication with the coaching staff about his future role with the franchise.