Penn State started the 1999 season near the top of the polls, with all of Nittany Nation dreaming of a national title. Solid but not spectacular, Kevin Thompson was the experienced senior quarterback that was responsible for managing a balanced offense and limiting mistakes. Any hope of an undefeated season came crashing down with a tipped Hail Mary pass that caused a loss to the lowly Minnesota Golden Gophers. After finishing the regular season with three straight loses, Penn State went on to defeat Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl 24-0. However, Thompson did not play thanks to a shoulder injury suffered just days prior to the Alamo Bowl.

Thompson bounced around the NFL, NFL Europe and AFL for seven years. If not for that pesky minimum attempts requirement, Thompson would be the all-time NFL leader in completion percentage (1/1, 8 yards).