Lyle Thompson Bio
Lyle Thompson (born September 9, 1992) is an Iroquois professional lacrosse player from the Hawk Clan of the Onondaga Nation. He plays both indoor and outdoor professional lacrosse, currently playing as an attack for the Cannons Lacrosse Club in the Premier Lacrosse League and as a forward for the Georgia Swarm in the National Lacrosse League. Lyle has achieved significant milestones in his career, including winning the NLL MVP award and the Tewaaraton Award twice. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time.
Early Life and Background
Lyle Thompson grew up on the Native American reservation of Onondaga Nation in New York. He is the second youngest of five children born to Jerome “Ji” Thompson Sr., a Mohawk father, and Doloris Thompson, an Onondaga mother. His family has a rich lacrosse heritage, with his three older brothers and cousin also being professional lacrosse players. Lacrosse holds spiritual and cultural significance within the Onondaga Nation, and Lyle began playing at a very young age, often practicing with his brothers and father. The family moved to the Onondaga Reservation in 1999, where they spent much of their time playing lacrosse, as they had limited access to modern entertainment. Lyle’s upbringing instilled in him a deep connection to the sport and its cultural roots.
Path to Lacrosse
Lyle Thompson’s high school lacrosse career was marked by impressive achievements. He played for both the Salmon River High School and LaFayette High School teams, gaining recognition as one of the top recruits in the country. His unique playing style, particularly his ability to wield the stick with one hand, set him apart from his peers. After high school, Lyle attended the University at Albany, where he continued to excel in lacrosse. He was a standout player, winning the Tewaaraton Award in both his junior and senior years, making history as one of the first Native American players to receive this honor.
Lyle Thompson Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Lyle Thompson was drafted first overall in the 2015 Major League Lacrosse draft by the Florida Launch. His professional debut came against the Ohio Machine, where he quickly made an impact, scoring 22 goals and providing 16 assists in his first season. In 2017, Lyle was traded to the Chesapeake Bayhawks, where he continued to showcase his skills. He also joined the Georgia Swarm in the National Lacrosse League, where he won the NLL MVP award and Championship MVP in 2017, leading the Swarm to their first NLL title.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Lyle Thompson’s career took a significant turn when he joined the Premier Lacrosse League, playing for the Cannons Lacrosse Club. In the 2022 season, he set a league record for most points in a season, demonstrating his exceptional talent and playmaking ability. His contributions to the sport extend beyond the field, as he has been an advocate for Indigenous rights and a role model for young athletes.
Notable Works and Milestones
Lyle Thompson is recognized not only for his athletic achievements but also for his impact on the sport of lacrosse. He has pioneered new playing techniques and has been a vocal advocate for the Indigenous community, using his platform to raise awareness about important social issues.
Lyle Thompson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Lyle Thompson has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting his skill and influence in the sport of lacrosse.
Lyle Thompson Awards Won
Lyle Thompson has won several awards, including the NLL MVP and the Tewaaraton Award, solidifying his status as one of the greatest lacrosse players in history.
Lyle Thompson Family
Lyle Thompson is married to Amanda Longboat, and together they have four daughters and one son. They currently reside on the Six Nations reservation in Canada, where they prioritize family and education.
Personal Life
Lyle Thompson is a devout follower of Haudenosaunee religious traditions, emphasizing the cultural significance of lacrosse. He is a lifelong teetotaler and is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, including raising awareness about Indigenous issues. Lyle is also a talented artist and enjoys drawing in his spare time.