Lynn Thomsen anchored the Augustana Vikings’ defensive line during an unprecedented era of college football dominance, starting 50 consecutive games without suffering a single defeat.
Football Bio
September 12, 1964 – Lynn Thomsen was a defensive tackle at Augustana College, and he was born on that date.
He is the only player in college football history to start 50 games over four years and never lose.
The Augustana Vikings team Thompson played for from 1983 through the 1986 seasons went 49-0-1.
They also won four, yes, four NCAA Division III championships during those years.
Lynn was an All-American in the 1986 season for Division 3 and was the Defensive Player of the Year in the College Conference of Illinois.
The College Football Hall of Fame enshrined and selected Thomas to join their ranks in the 1997 entry class.
Lynn Thomsen cemented his legacy as a defensive powerhouse, proving that relentless consistency and fierce trench play form the ultimate foundation for championship dynasties.
The Football Fix
Augustanaβs 1983-1986 run under head coach Bob Reade remains one of the most remarkable feats in gridiron history. During Thomsen’s four-year tenure, the Vikings outscored their opponents by staggering margins and dominated the Division III landscape. Thompson’s immovable presence on the defensive interior made those four consecutive national titles possible, securing his place as a small-college football legend. [National Football Foundation]
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1997).
- Four-time NCAA Division III National Champion (1983, 1984, 1985, 1986).
- Holds the collegiate record for most career starts without a loss (50 games; 49-0-1 record).
- Named a First-Team NCAA Division III All-American (1986).
- Awarded CCIW (College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin) Defensive Player of the Year (1986).
- Three-time First-Team All-CCIW selection.
