Toledo, Ohio - University of Toledo senior wide receiver Cody Thompson has been named the 2019 recipient of The Chuck Ealey College Undefeated Spirit Award. Thompson is the 12th Rocket to receive the prestigious award. The award will be presented at the annual Songfest event in Savage Arena on Saturday, March 30. Thompson will also be honored at the eighth annual High School Undefeated Spirit Award Ceremony on Sunday, March 31 from 1:00-3:00 at the ProMedica Steam Plant.

Thompson was a two-time, first-team All-MAC wide receiver for the Rockets during his career. He caught 181 passes for 3,312 yards and a school-record 30 touchdowns. As a senior in 2018, he had 48 receptions for 647 yards and 10 TDs, and was named second-team Academic All-America.

In 2017, Thompson suffered a season-ending leg injury in what would have been his final campaign with the Rockets. However, because of his injury he was eligible to play an additional season of college football. After an off-season of rehab, he returned to lead the Rockets in 2018.

Founded in 2007, the Chuck Ealey Foundation presents the award to the student-athlete who best demonstrates the behaviors of living the Undefeated Spirit in their sport, in the classroom and in the community. Award winners are role models for making good choices and living with an Undefeated Spirit in everything that they do.

The award also recognizes that behind every person with an Undefeated Spirit, there are others around them who have instilled this spirit. Chuck Ealey was one of the greatest football players in UT history. A quarterback, Ealey led the Rockets to a perfect 35-0 record and three Mid-American Conference Championships from 1969-71. His mother, Earline Ealey, is the inspiration behind the award. She lived her life with an Undefeated Spirit and instilled that spirit in Chuck. Chuck has been working to instill the same spirit into his family and everyone around him.

The foundation uses Undefeated as an acronym, standing for Undefeated, No Negativity, Determination/Desire, Encouragement/Endurance, Faith/Focus/Fortitude, Equality, Attitude/Actions, Tenacity, Education and Discipline. 

The Undefeated Spirit Award has been presented annually at UT's Songfest as a way to bring together UT student leaders and student-athletes. 

Chuck Ealey Undefeated Spirit Award Winners
2008 - Stephen Williams, Football
2009 - Allie Clifton, Women's Basketball
2010 - Marguerite Johnson, Women's Golf
2011 - Melissa Goodall, Women's Basketball
2012 - Andola Dortch, Women's Basketball
2013 - Ben Pike, Football
2014 - Becky Rhodes, Women's Soccer
2015 – Julius Brown, Men's Basketball
2016 - Brenae Harris, Women's Basketball
2017 - Janelle Noe, Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
2018 – Tre'Shaun Fletcher, Men's Basketball
2019 – Cody Thompson, Football