Introduction
Tyquan Thornton—a lightning-quick wide receiver known for his 4.28-second 40-yard dash—is emerging as an intriguing NFL talent. From his college days at Baylor to his journey through the Patriots and now with the Kansas City Chiefs, this article delves deep into his speed, college performance, professional stats, contract evolution, family background, and how he was drafted into the league.
1. The 40-Yard Dash: Blazing Speed
One of Thornton’s most defining traits is his elite speed. At the 2022 NFL Combine, he unofficially clocked a 4.21-second 40-yard dash—but it was officially recorded at 4.28 seconds, making it the third-fastest time among wide receivers in that year’s combine. His speed immediately marked him as a deep-threat receiver and standout athlete.
2. College Career at Baylor
Thornton initially committed to the University of Florida but flipped to Baylor, where he played from 2018 to 2021.
| Season | Receptions | Yards | Avg | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 20 | 354 | 17.7 | 3 |
| 2019 | 45 | 782 | 17.4 | 5 |
| 2020 | 16 | 158 | 9.9 | 1 |
| 2021 | 62 | 948 | 15.3 | 10 |
| Career | 143 | 2,242 | 15.7 | 19 |
Thornton earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in his senior year, capping off a prolific college career.
3. NFL Draft & Combine Impact
With his blazing speed and vertical threat capability, Thornton entered the 2022 NFL Draft as one of the most intriguing deep-downfield targets. The New England Patriots traded up to pick him at 50th overall in the 2nd round. Tyquan Thornton.
4. NFL Career: Stats & Transactions
New England Patriots (2022–2024)
-
2022: Played 13 games (9 starts), 22 receptions for 247 yards and 2 receiving TDs; also rushed 3 times for 16 yards and 1 TD. Notably, he became the first Patriots receiver since Deion Branch to have both receiving and rushing TDs in the same game.
-
2023: Appeared in 9 games (3 starts), 13 catches for 91 yards, no touchdowns.
-
2024: Limited usage—6 games (1 start), 4 receptions for 47 yards, no touchdowns.
Career Totals (through 2024)
-
Receptions: ~39
-
Receiving Yards: ~385
-
Receiving TDs: 2
-
Rushing Yards: ~67
-
Rushing TDs: 1.
Waived & Chiefs Transition
In November 2024, the Patriots waived Thornton following limited usage and roster congestion with other receiver additions. Just days later, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad and signed a reserve/future contract on February 11, 2025.
5. Contract Overview
-
Rookie Deal (2022–2025) with the Patriots: 4 years, $7,053,857; signing bonus: $2,310,080; guarantees: ~$3.34M; average salary: ~$1.76M/year.
-
Chiefs Contract (2025): One‐year deal worth $1.1M, base and cap hit both $1.1M.
6. Family & Siblings (“Brother” Section)
Thornton hails from Miami, Florida, born to Latasha Jackson and Tyron Thornton. He is one of five children, with siblings: D’Andre Clayton, Tyron Thornton Jr., Shaquise Clayton, and Tyquiesha Thornton.
7. Looking Ahead: Chiefs Potential
As of mid-2025, Thornton has impressed in Chiefs training camp—catching deep balls from Patrick Mahomes and wearing No. 2—with fans hopeful he might revive his career and carve out a WR2 role in a high-powered offense. Additionally, he joins a notable list of former Patriots now on the Chiefs roster heading into Super Bowl LIX.
FAQs
Q1: How fast did Tyquan Thornton run the 40-yard dash?
A: He unofficially timed 4.21 seconds but was officially clocked at 4.28 seconds—the third-fastest among wide receivers at the 2022 Combine.
Q2: What were his college stats at Baylor?
A: Over four seasons (2018–2021), Thornton tallied 143 receptions, 2,242 receiving yards, and 19 touchdowns. His best season was 2021: 62 catches, 948 yards, 10 TDs.
Q3: When and where was he drafted?
A: Drafted in the 2nd round, 50th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.
Q4: What are his NFL career stats through 2024?
A: Approximate totals—39 receptions, 385 receiving yards, 2 receiving TDs; 67 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD.
Q5: What was his contract with the Patriots?
A: 4-year, $7,053,857; signing bonus $2,310,080; guarantees $3.34M; average salary ~$1.76M/year.
Q6: What is his current contract with the Chiefs?
A: A one-year $1.1M deal for the 2025 season, base and cap hit identical.
Q7: Who are his siblings?
A: Thornton is one of five children; his siblings include D’Andre Clayton, Tyron Thornton Jr., Shaquise Clayton, and Tyquiesha Thornton.
Conclusion
Tyquan Thornton’s journey from a blazing Combine performance to a standout Baylor career to navigating the NFL’s ups and downs exemplifies both the challenges and opportunities young wide receivers face. Now with the Chiefs, he has a fresh start in a prolific offense. If his speed and potential fully materialize, he could be a breakout deep-threat in 2025.
