Even in the run heavy days of the 1940s, quarterbacks were high profile players. Sammy Baugh, Sid Luckman and Bob Waterfield were bonafide superstars of the NFL. For three years, the Eagles' Tommy Thompson was their equal.
Undrafted out of Tulsa in 1940, Thompson was a defensive back and backup quarterback on the Steelers for one season, then released. He joined the Eagles for the 1941 season, and claimed the starting QB job over the wholly ineffective Len Barnum, who threw no touchdowns and 10 interceptions in only 55 pass attempts. Thompson finished the season fourth in the league in passing yards and touchdown passes, thanks in part to the 2-8-1 Eagles constantly being behind, though he was only fourth in the league in attempts.