UMES' William "Billy" Thompson Earns Nomination for College Football Hall of Fame

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland -- Former Maryland State College defensive back William (Billy) Thompson has been nominated as a possible 2016 inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Thompson is one of dozens of football players nominated from all teams, current and defunct, from the FCS division.

A native of Greenville, S.C., Thompson was a standout four-year letterman at defensive back for Maryland State and named MVP in his senior season. His play earned him three CIAA All-conference selections and a First-team All-American selection.

BILLY THOMPSON, DENVER BRONCOS
As a NFL rookie, Billy became the only player in NFL history to lead the league
in punt returns and kickoff returns in the same season.

VIDEO: BILLY THOMPSON INSIGHTS ON CHAMP BAILEY

Thompson was drafted in 1969 by the Denver Broncos, where he went on to become a three time pro bowler as a defensive back in 12 seasons. The Broncos placed him in the team's Ring of Fame, where he sits alongside other Denver football greats such as Floyd Little, John Elway and Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State).

He was named to the UMES Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984.

If elected, Thompson would be the fifth Hawk enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, joining Coach Skip McCain who was enshrined in 2006, tackle Roger Brown in 2009, halfback Emerson Boozer in 2010 and tackle Art Shell in 2013.

Voting will continue thru June 20th from over 12,000 National Football Foundation members, with the nominees being announced in January in Scottsdale, Arizona. The inductees will then be enshrined at a ceremony on December 6, 2016 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION