Bruce Thornton (defensive lineman)

Bruce Thornton
No. 77, 79
Position: Defensive end
Personal information
Date of birth: (1958-02-14) February 14, 1958
Place of birth: Detroit, MI
Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight: 195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school: Chadsey (MI)
College: Illinois
NFL draft: 1979 / Round: 8 / Pick: 219
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games: 47
Player stats at NFL.com
Player stats at PFR

Bruce Edward Thornton (born February 14, 1958 in Detroit, Michigan) is a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished his career with the Denver Gold of the United States Football League. In 1977 he was named to All-Big 10 academic team while he played college football for the University of Illinois.

Early years

Thornton attended Chadsey High School before moving on to the University of Illinois. As a junior he was a starter at defensive tackle and led the Big Ten Conference in sacks with 10. In his final year, he was moved to a backup role to John Thiede, on a team that finished with a record of 1-8-2.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Thornton was selected in the eighth round (219th overall) of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, after dropping because of his diminished production as a college senior. As a rookie he helped to compensate the loss of Ed "Too Tall" Jones to his boxing retirement, by coming on passing downs in place of Larry Cole at left defensive end and unofficially finishing second on the team with 6 sacks.[1] That season his best game came against the Chicago Bears when he registered 2 sacks and a blocked extra point.[2]

He remained as a pass-rush specialist during the rest of his career with the Cowboys. He was waived on August 31, 1981,[3] before being re-signed during the season.[4] He was cut on September 6, 1982.[5]

St. Louis Cardinals

Thornton was claimed off waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals on September 7, 1982.[6] He was placed on the injured reserve list on August 30, 1983,[7] before being released on October 4.[8]

Chicago Blitz (USFL)

On November 22, 1983, he was signed by the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League.[9] On March 28, 1984, he was traded to the Denver Gold in exchange for linebacker Bob Knapton and an undisclosed 1985 draft choice.[10]

Denver Gold (USFL)

In 1985, he led the Denver Gold in sacks with 12.5 (third in the league) and received All-League honors.

Personal life

His son Kalen Thornton also played for the Dallas Cowboys.

References

External links

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