About John Thornton
Lived 1969 – 2025 (aged 55). John Thornton was an American american football player.
John Earvin Thornton Jr. (June 28, 1969 – April 29, 2025) was an American professional football defensive tackle who played for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Cincinnati.
Early life and college John Earvin Thornton Jr. was born on June 28, 1969, in Flint, Michigan. He attended Beecher High School in Flint.
Professional career Thornton signed with the New Orleans Saints on May 6, 1991, after going undrafted in the 1991 NFL draft. He was in the intensive care unit for a week. He was released on June 19, 1995. After hearing that he had been released, he punched out a window on head coach Mike Faragalli's car. He also threatened to cut several people with scissors.
Personal life Thornton later worked in retail. He died on April 29, 2025, in Montrose, Michigan.
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Important facts
People in John Thornton's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Thornton?
American football player (1969-2025)
When was John Thornton born?
John Thornton was born on 28 June 1969.
When did John Thornton die?
John Thornton died on 29 April 2025.
What was John Thornton's occupation?
John Thornton was an american football player.
What nationality was John Thornton?
John Thornton was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Thornton (defensive tackle, born 1969)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Thornton. https://biography.guide/john-thornton-american-football-player-1969/
MLA: "John Thornton." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-thornton-american-football-player-1969/.
Chicago: "John Thornton." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-thornton-american-football-player-1969/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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