John Thornton (American football)

Infobox NFLactive


name=John Thornton
currentteam=Cincinnati Bengals
currentnumber=97
currentposition=Defensive tackle
birthdate=birth date and age|1976|10|2
birthplace=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
heightft=6
heightin=3
weight=297
debutyear=1999
debutteam=Tennessee Titans
college=West Virginia
draftyear=1999
draftround=2
draftpick=52
pastteams=
* Tennessee Titans (1999-2002)
* Cincinnati Bengals (2003-present)
nfl=THO783513

John Jason Thornton (born October 2, 1976 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is an American football defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals in the National Football League. He played college football at West Virginia University. Thornton was drafted in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (52nd pick overall).

High school years

He attended Scotland School for Veterans' Children, a residential school for relatives of veterans.

College career

Thornton attended West Virginia University. Thornton was a two-time All-Big East selection at West Virginia. As a senior, he was defensive co-captain and earned first-team All-America honors from The Sports Network. He also started every game his last three seasons.

Professional career

1999

Thornton was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round (52nd overall) in the 1999 NFL Draft. He made his debut versus the Cincinnati Bengals on September 12 and made one tackle. During the regular season he made 4.5 sacks which was the most made by any rookie defensive tackle. He appeared in Super Bowl XXXIV for the Titans against the St. Louis Rams.

2000

Thornton started in every game for the Titans and finished the season with 55 tackles. He made eight tackles, his season high in the game at the Buffalo Bills on September 3.

2001

Due to a shoulder injury, Thornton only played in the first three games.

2002

Just as he did in 2000, Thornton started in every game for the Titans and was part of the defense that limited their opponents to 89.0 rushing yards per game. He made 44 tackles in the regular season.

2003

Thornton made six sacks which was a career high for him.

2004

During the 2004 season, Thornton started in every game for the Cincinnati Bengals and made 74 tackles.

2005

Guided the Cinncinati Bengals to the playoffs. His on and off field leadership as well his performence on the field is the number 1 reason the bengals won the AFC North and made their first playoff game in 15 years.

2006

missed pro bowl despite being named best DT by his peers

2007

Released hit disco single "Last Night a DT Saved My Life"!

2008

One of the best DT in the game. He has excellent pash rushing skills and it is impossible for other teams to run on him. Regarded by many as the best DT in the game and is a shoe in for the hall of fame. Is directly credited with the sucess of the 08 bengals

2009

Personal

Thornton has also become the subject of ongoing jokes among the Bengals community for a series of Chuck Norris style jokes. For example "John Thornton doesn't pray to God, God prays to John Thornton."

External links

* [http://www.jt97.com/ Official site]
* [http://www.bengals.com/team/player.asp?player_id=19 Official Cincinnati Bengals profile]