On November 14, 2009, Dr. Emmet C. (Tom) Thompson kicked his way into the record books. At age 61, he became the oldest football player in NCAA history and the oldest NCAA football player to score a PAT (point after touchdown). In addition to the notoriety that came with his accomplishment, he has become a standard-bearer for a generation that is redefining the entire concept of “retirement age.” Tom’s late-in-life college football career earned him worldwide media coverage, but this unprecedented accomplishment was neither the beginning nor the end of his claim to fame.
During his remarkable life, Tom (a 9th degree black belt Tae Kwon Do grandmaster) has worked out with Chuck Norris, partied with Elvis, borrowed money from the mob (and lived to tell about it), married a beauty queen and had a personal encounter with God.
While he has earned his share of success and accolades, Tom is the first to admit that he’s experienced more than his share of spectacular failures along the way—professionally, financially and personally including multiple divorces and financial loss. But, to his surprise and delight, he discovered that by consistently setting and reaching small achievable goals, he was able to create great momentum for larger, more challenging goals. Thompson believes his purpose in life is to encourage people of all ages to live healthy and fulfilled lives, to discover and reach their full potential, and to develop a deeper faith in the process. Thompson’s other books include Fit To Lead: The Proven 8-week Solution for Shaping Up Your Body, Your Mind, and Your Career, which he co-authored. He recently joined the team at Evil Cowboy Hot Sauce as Brand Ambassador for the tasty Texas condiment. Tom and his wife, Teresa, reside in Coppell, Texas, and have three children—Eric, Rachel and Jon Rawles.
