Packers GM named top NFL executive

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ST. LOUIS, March 27 (UPI) -- Green Bay General Manager Ted Thompson is the NFL's top executive for 2007.

Thompson, 55, captured the George Young NFL Executive of the Year when he beat out New York Giants' General Manager Jerry Reese 19-9 in a poll of NFL general managers and other executives conducted by The Sporting News earlier this week.

The poll by the sports publication appears in its latest issue released on Wednesday.

Forty-eight votes were cast with 10 other executives receiving at least one vote.

Thompson was cited for bending a mix of productive veterans such as defensive Aaron Kampman, wide receivers Donald Driver, Greg Jennings and James Jones, linebacker Nick Barnett and tackle Chad Clifton, while acquiring talent like linebacker A.J. Hawk, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, cornerback Charles Woodson, running back Ryan Grant, and tight end Donald Lee.

"Ted understands every aspect of how an organization works," said former Packers general manager Ron Wolf. "That's why he was able to put together a winning team."