Afatia Thompson grew up with two career ambitions: To play in the NFL and sing professionally.

For a while, he traveled both paths. As a high school senior in 1996, he found himself simultaneously being recruited by the University of Hawai'i-Manoa and cutting an album with the group Reign.

"My dream to be in the NFL was right there with my dream to be a successful recording artist," said Thompson, 28, who lives in Kaimuki with his wife, Nicole, and two kids.

Thompson was torn between the two careers but never had to make the tough choice: The standout running back's gridiron goals were dashed in college as a plague of injuries put him out of commission.

"I don't have any regrets," he said about giving up on his NFL dreams. "It obviously wasn't meant to be."

ALL IN THE FAMILY

As the son of Polynesian-entertainment impresarios Jack and Cha Thompson, who run Tihati Productions, Afatia Thompson had a musical headstart. He was singing at age 2 and on stage a few years later.

"My family would throw me on stage every chance they got," said Thompson. "I never had stage fright. ... You get a rush from being on stage."

Though he grew up immersed in Polynesian music, Thompson has always gravitated toward R&B and soul. His favorite artists include Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight and D'Angelo.

So it's no surprise that his debut solo album, "5:54," released this month, is a fusion of both.

He describes his sound as "soulful R&B with an urban Polynesian accent."

"Polynesian music is who I am; I'll never act like it's not a part of me," Thompson said. "But I want my music to have that mainstream appeal."

And it does. "All I Got," featuring Cross'd Out and "All Night Long" blend hip-hop with an urban Island flavor. The ballad "So Many Things," a tribute to his older brother, Eli, who died more than a decade ago, has an emotionally soulful vibe.

Still, the sound is distinct — the way Thompson likes it.

"I want to be true to who I am," he said. "I'm not trying to be the next Usher or Justin Timberlake."

IN SHAPE ON STAGE

With so much focus on his singing career and no more football practices, Thompson has to really work at staying in shape.

"It's tough," said Thompson, who's been able to maintain his playing weight of 220. "I can't eat like a football player anymore."

Having to perform on stage — often without a shirt — nearly every night has been very motivating, he said.

"You don't want to be on stage and chubby," he said, laughing.

But with a budding career, a full-time job with Tihati Productions and a family to raise, Thompson has to carve out time to work out.

He fits in weightlifting sessions at the gym whenever he can, sometimes as late at 11 p.m. For cardio, he runs and swims a few times every week.

Now a father, he views health and fitness differently. It's not about looking good or improving his 40-yard-dash speed.

"I want to be around for them," Thompson said. "I want to coach their teams and be healthy enough to play with them.

"Your parents tell you how much they love you, and you can't imagine what that is until you have your own kids and you hold them. It's amazing."

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.