Two-time Grey Cup champion McLeod Bethel-Thompson announced on his Instagram and Twitter that he is leaving the Toronto Argonauts and signing with the New Orleans Breakers (USFL).
The 34-year-old from San Francisco, California, was the CFL passing leader, completing 387 of 579 passes (66.8%) for 4,731 yards, 23 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, and 35 carries for 166 yards in 18 games in Toronto in 2022. He led Toronto to its 18th Grey Cup championship in history with a thrilling 24-23 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Thompson played five seasons in the CFL all with Toronto. He completed 1,125 of 1,683 passes (66.8%) for 13,261 yards, 70 touchdowns, 49 interceptions, 93 carries for 513 yards, and two touchdowns in 74 games.
He won his first Grey Cup title as a backup in 2017 when Toronto beat Calgary 27-24 in the 105th Grey Cup. It was the final game for CFL Hall of Famer Ricky Ray. In addition, Thompson is a two-time CFL East All-Star (2021-22) and was the CFL passing touchdowns leader (26) in 2019.
Before joining the CFL, Thompson was a journeymen quarterback having stints with the 49ers, Dolphins, Vikings, Patriots, and Eagles. Furthermore, he played for the San Jose SaberCats (AFL), Sacramento Mountain Lions (UFL) in 2011, and the Aviators (TSL) in 2020. In 2016, Thompson signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and was placed on their practice squad but was released.
Collegiately, Thompson began at UCLA in 2007. He completed 23 of 55 passes (41.8%) for 293 yards, one touchdown, five interceptions, and 15 carries for -32 yards in five games for the Bruins.
Afterward, Thompson transferred to Sacramento State (2008-10) completing 113 of 197 passes (57.4%) for 1,322 yards, seven touchdowns, eight interceptions, 47 carries for 29 yards, and two touchdowns in 12 games for the Hornets.
