At the 2022
NFL Combine, Thornton ran an unofficial 4.21 in the
40-yard dash. It would’ve been an NFL combine record, but it was ruled that he ran a 4.28 instead, which was the third-fastest in the 2022 combine.
New England Patriots Thornton was selected by the
New England Patriots in the second round (50th overall) of the
2022 NFL draft. On September 1, 2022, Thornton was placed on
injured reserve after suffering a fractured
clavicle in the preseason, and was re-activated on October 8. In Week 6 against the
Cleveland Browns, Thornton scored his first receiving and rushing touchdowns, making him the first Patriots wide receiver since
Deion Branch (2004) to score a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game. Thornton finished his rookie season with 22 catches for 247 yards and two touchdowns, and ran 3 times for 16 yards and a touchdown. On August 31, 2023, Thornton was placed on injured reserve. He was re-activated on October 14. On November 16, 2024, the Patriots waived Thornton.
Kansas City Chiefs On November 19, 2024, Thornton was signed to the
Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with Kansas City on February 11, 2025. In the 2025 season, Thornton made his first start as a Chief in Week 2. The following week, he caught 5 passes for 71 yards, scoring a touchdown and contributing to the Chiefs’ 22–9 victory over the
New York Giants. On October 7, 2025, Thornton achieved a new high in receiving yards, recording three catches for 90 yards on five targets against the
Jacksonville Jaguars. In 14 appearances (four starts) for Kansas City, he posted 19 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns. On December 24, Thornton was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a concussion. On March 13, 2026, Thornton re-signed with the Chiefs on a two-year, $11 million contract. ==References==