Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Juan Thornhill
Discover the career path of Juan Thornhill, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Juan Thornhill is a professional American football safety currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. Prior to joining the Steelers, he played for the Kansas City Chiefs and won two Super Bowls with them. He played college football at the University of Virginia as a Virginia Cavalier.
2018: Chiefs Acquired Pick
In 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs originally acquired the second-round pick (63rd overall) during a trade for Marcus Peters with the Los Angeles Rams.
May 14, 2019: Signed with Kansas City Chiefs
On May 14, 2019, Juan Thornhill signed a four-year, $4.64 million contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, including a $1.37 million signing bonus.
October 13, 2019: First Career Interception
On October 13, 2019, Juan Thornhill recorded his first career interception off a pass by Deshaun Watson during a game against the Houston Texans.
December 1, 2019: Interception Against Raiders
On December 1, 2019, Juan Thornhill intercepted a pass by Derek Carr and returned it for 46 yards in a game against the Oakland Raiders.
2019: Drafted by Kansas City Chiefs
In 2019, Juan Thornhill was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round (63rd overall) of the NFL draft.
2019: Chiefs Finished First in NFC West
In 2019, the Kansas City Chiefs finished first in the NFC West with a 12-4 record, securing a playoff berth.
February 2, 2020: Won Super Bowl LIV
On February 2, 2020, Juan Thornhill and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl LIV, earning Thornhill his first Super Bowl ring.
October 5, 2020: Interception Against Patriots
On October 5, 2020, Juan Thornhill had an interception on a pass by Brian Hoyer during a game against the New England Patriots.
2020: Chiefs Finished Season 14-2
In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs finished the NFL season with a 14-2 record, earning a playoff berth.
January 17, 2021: First Career Postseason Game
On January 17, 2021, Juan Thornhill appeared in his first career postseason game, against the Cleveland Browns.
February 7, 2021: Super Bowl LV Appearance
On February 7, 2021, Juan Thornhill and the Chiefs reached Super Bowl LV, where they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
December 5, 2021: Interception Against Broncos
On December 5, 2021, Juan Thornhill had an interception on a pass by Teddy Bridgewater during a game against the Denver Broncos.
2021: Chiefs Finished Atop AFC West
In 2021, the Kansas City Chiefs finished the NFL season atop the AFC West with a 12-5 record.
January 30, 2022: AFC Championship Game
On January 30, 2022, Juan Thornhill started in the AFC Championship Game, where the Chiefs lost to the Cincinnati Bengals.
October 23, 2022: Interception Against 49ers
On October 23, 2022, Juan Thornhill intercepted a pass thrown by Brock Purdy during a game against the San Francisco 49ers.
2022: Chiefs Finished First in AFC West
In 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs finished first in the AFC West with a 14-3 record.
January 21, 2023: Divisional Round Win Against Jaguars
On January 21, 2023, Juan Thornhill made five combined tackles and two pass deflections during a 27-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round.
February 12, 2023: Won Super Bowl LVII
On February 12, 2023, Juan Thornhill started at free safety in Super Bowl LVII and made five combined tackles and a pass deflection as the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38–35, earning his second Super Bowl ring.
March 16, 2023: Signed with Cleveland Browns
On March 16, 2023, Juan Thornhill signed a three-year, $21.00 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.
September 8, 2024: Season-High Tackles Against Cowboys
On September 8, 2024, Juan Thornhill collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
February 24, 2025: Released by Browns
On February 24, 2025, Juan Thornhill was released by the Cleveland Browns after two seasons.
