Atlanta Falcons Rookie Anterio Thompson Forced Out By Health Condition

Shock Announcement

Atlanta Falcons rookie defensive tackle Anterio Thompson has shared sad news about his career. The 24 year old player revealed this week that he will never play football again due to a medical condition.

Thompson explained that he has a genetic mutation of his spinal cord. He mentioned that he had no idea about the issue until doctors informed him.

Message From Thompson

Thompson posted the news on Instagram to inform fans and followers. He admitted that dealing with the situation has been very tough.

In his post, he wrote that mentally he has been better than anyone would be in his situation. He said he was told he would never play football again due to a genetic mutation in his spinal cord that he had no idea about.

He added that as a football player you know one day you will have to hang up your cleats, but you just hope it is on your own terms. He stated that it is hard to explain what it feels like to go through the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in a matter of seconds.

Background and Team Status

Before Thompson shared the post, neither he nor the team had given any information about his condition. Thompson was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 draft.

He has been on the reserve non football injury list since training camp. He has not been with the team since the spring.

Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Friday that he had no update on the player, speaking before the post went public. Technically, Thompson could return this season from that list, but that now seems unlikely.

Before joining the draft, Thompson played at the University of Washington last season. He recorded 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for a loss during his time there.