Early Career & Rise to the NFL
Juan Thornhill, born October 19, 1995, in Altavista, Virginia, made his mark as a multi-sport athlete in high school before committing to play college football at the University of Virginia from 2015 to 2018. At Virginia he compiled 208 tackles, 13 interceptions and showed versatility playing both cornerback and safety.
In the 2019 NFL Draft, Thornhill was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round (63rd overall). He signed a four-year rookie deal on May 14, 2019 worth approximately $4.64 million, including a $1.37 million signing bonus and $1.79 million guaranteed.
Chiefs Tenure: Successes and Setbacks
Thornhill made an immediate impact for the Chiefs, starting all 16 games in his rookie season and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. That year the Chiefs went on to win Super Bowl LIV. Over his time in Kansas City, Thornhill helped the team to two Super Bowl championships (LIV and LVII).
His rookie campaign came to a sudden pause when he tore his left ACL in December 2019 during a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. This injury impacted his 2020 season: although he appeared in 16 games, he started only 8 and his role shifted somewhat from the first year.
In 2022, Thornhill delivered one of his stronger full-season stat lines: 16 games, 16 starts, 71 combined tackles (43 solo), 9 passes defensed, 3 interceptions and 1 sack.
Contract Moves & Current Status
In March 2023, Thornhill signed a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns worth approximately $21 million, including $14 million guaranteed.
However, by February 2025, reports indicated the Browns were set to release Thornhill, freeing up roughly $3.4 million in cap space.
Injury History
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ACL tear (Left): December 2019 — ended rookie season early.
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Calf injuries: During his time with Cleveland, Thornhill missed multiple games due to a re-aggravation of a calf injury.
PFF Grades & Performance Breakdown
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has provided insight into Thornhill’s performance metrics:
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In 2023/24 with the Browns, his grade reportedly dropped significantly: Overall grade 36.9 (ranking 91st of 91 qualifying safeties), Coverage grade 35.9 (89th/91) according to PFF.
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Earlier in his career, community discussion and redditors pointed out his coverage grade since 2019 being around 82.4, ranking roughly 11th among safeties in that span.
These contrasting figures highlight a player who had high potential and strong early performance but whose recent form has raised questions.
Personal Life – Wife & Family
Thornhill’s off-field life has been a positive narrative:
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His wife is Reagan Thornhill (née Steele). They had been dating over seven years before their engagement in a romantic riverside setting in Savannah, Georgia.
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They welcomed their first child, a daughter named Aspen Elizabeth, on May 24, 2024.
Why He’s Still Worth Watching
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Championship pedigree: Two Super Bowl rings with the Chiefs.
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Versatility: Ability to play both safety and nickel roles; early career showed strong instincts and range.
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Youth: Born in 1995, he still theoretically has years remaining if he regains form and stays healthy.
Key Challenges & What to Watch
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The drop in PFF grades is concerning: a major caveat when evaluating his value going forward.
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Injury risk: Especially the ACL early in his career, and then calf injuries more recently.
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Contract/fit: With the Browns looking to move on, his next contract and team fit will be crucial to his career trajectory.
Summary
Juan Thornhill’s journey is one marked by a strong start, big wins, and then some turbulence. From a second‐round pick by the Chiefs who immediately impacted his team’s success, to a deal with the Browns and then a release scenario, his professional football story continues to evolve. On the personal side, his marriage to Reagan and becoming a father add depth to his profile beyond the gridiron.
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