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. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Virginia. His career highlights include his time with the Chiefs.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Started playing at Virginia

In 2015, Juan Thornhill started playing football at the University of Virginia.

December 2018: Graduation from Virginia

In December 2018, Juan Thornhill graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Anthropology.

2018: Chiefs acquired pick in trade

In 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs acquired the second round pick (63rd overall) during a trade for cornerback 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 $1.79 million guaranteed and 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 thrown by Deshaun Watson during a game against the Houston Texans.

December 1, 2019: Interception and 46-yard Return

On December 1, 2019, Juan Thornhill intercepted a pass by Derek Carr and returned it for 46 yards during a game against the Oakland Raiders.

2019: Drafted by the Chiefs

In 2019, Juan Thornhill was drafted 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, clinching a playoff berth and first round bye.

February 2, 2020: Super Bowl LIV Victory

On February 2, 2020, Juan Thornhill and the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, earning Thornhill his first Super Bowl ring.

October 5, 2020: Interception against the Patriots

On October 5, 2020, Juan Thornhill recorded a season-high six solo tackles and intercepted a pass by Brian Hoyer in a game against the New England Patriots.

2020: Chiefs finished with 14-2 Record

In 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs finished the NFL season with a 14–2 record, earning a playoff berth and first round bye.

January 17, 2021: First 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 Denver Broncos

On December 5, 2021, Juan Thornhill had six combined tackles, a pass deflection, and 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: Season-High Tackles and Interception

On October 23, 2022, Juan Thornhill collected a season-high 11 combined tackles and intercepted a pass thrown by Brock Purdy in a game against the San Francisco 49ers.

2022: Chiefs Finished First in AFC West

In 2022, The Kansas City Chiefs finished the NFL season first in the AFC West with a 14–3 record to earn a first round bye.

January 21, 2023: Divisional Round Win

On January 21, 2023, Juan Thornhill made five combined tackles and two pass deflections during a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round.

February 12, 2023: Super Bowl LVII Victory

On February 12, 2023, Juan Thornhill started at free safety in Super Bowl LVII and made five combined tackles as the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, earning him his second Super Bowl ring.