Lyle and Miles Thompson Featured at New York State Capitol in People of New York Exhibit

AP Photo/Hans Pennink

Published February 15, 2019

Governor Cuomo announced the exhibit’s opening on Thursday morning

 ALBANY, N.Y. — The 2017 NLL World Champion Georgia Swarm are proud to announce that Lyle and Miles Thompson will be honored by the state of New York in the People of New York exhibit in the State Capitol building in Albany, N.Y. New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the opening of the exhibit this morning. In addition, visitors are able to share their own stories in person and online at the exhibition website.

Located in the East Gallery of the New York State Capitol’s second floor, the exhibit has six sections showcasing the diversity of the people of New York and explores specific themes past and present which contributed to shaping New York and the state’s population. It will be on display for a year and illustrate how New York’s diverse population began, spread and continues to form the New York identity.

The Thompsons are featured in The First Peoples portion of the exhibit. A life-size cutout of the brothers in their Georgia Swarm uniforms accompanies a bio detailing the duos impact to the state of New York, including their time at University of Albany.

“While the federal government continues to fan the flames of division, New York recognizes that our differences are our greatest strength,” GovernorAndrew M. Cuomo said. “This exhibit honors the enormous contributions of leaders from diverse backgrounds who made an indelible mark on their communities and the entire state, and I encourage New Yorkers and visitors alike to celebrate this rich history by visiting this exhibit.”

“Lyle and Miles are recognized as two of the best lacrosse players in the history of the game,” Swarm Owner and General Manager John Arlotta said. “They have won many prestigious awards and championships, and they’ve had a significant impact on how the game is played. However, they have had an equally significant impact off the field where they have educated thousands of people, both old and young, on Native American culture and values. Their positive impact on society truly extends well beyond the sport of lacrosse.”

Lyle and Miles were both born in Onondaga Nation, near Syracuse, N.Y. The brothers are two of the most recognizable and celebrated lacrosse players in the world. Along with their older brothers Jeremy and Jerome, they make up the Thompson Brothers and serve as role models for Native youth all across North America.

At University at Albany, Lyle became the first male recipient of the Tewaaraton Award in consecutive seasons and set a new NCAA Division I record for career points (400) and assists (225). As a senior at Albany, Miles was the co-recipient of the Tewaaraton Award with his brother Lyle and set a NCAA Division I record for most single season goals (82).

“I think it’s something special to represent not only myself and my family, but my community and really to represent [University of] Albany, a program that’s really done a lot for me,” Lyle said. To look back on what it would mean to be in this exhibit, I think it represents a lot for Native people. It’s a proud moment for me.”

The two brothers were both drafted by the Swarm, Miles as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NLL Draft and Lyle as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NLL Draft. In 2017, the tandem was instrumental in the Swarm winning their first-ever world championship in franchise history.

Lyle made a key pass to Miles in overtime of Game 2 of the NLL Finals which allowed Miles to score the game-winning goal and defeat the two-time defending world champion Saskatchewan Rush. Lyle was named the 2017 NLL Finals MVP following the game’s conclusion. He also became the first NLL MVP for the Swarm in franchise history after his record-setting 116-point season.