James Thornton (cornerback)

James Thornton (born August 9, 1979 in Troup County, Georgia) is a former American football cornerback. He most recently was on the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns in 2005. He was a three-year captain at Morris Brown College where he recorded 35 tackles, 4 interceptions and returned 3 of his 4 interceptions (INT) for touchdowns in addition to 3 blocked kicks as a senior. He originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2003. Thornton was then the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Europe free agent draft and then signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2005.

Professional experience
2008: Drafted 73rd Overall by the All American Football League (AAFL) - Team Arkansas. Signed with Arena Football League2 2007: Out of Football 2006: Signed to Cleveland Browns reserve/futures list and allocated to NFL Europe- Berlin Thunder 2005: NFL Europe- Berlin Thunder and later signed to the Atlanta Falcons 2004: First Overall pick in 2004 NFL Europe Free Agent Draft 2003: Signed with Chicago Bears as an Undrafted Rookie Free Agent

College
Three year captain at Morris Brown College. Recorded 35 tackles, 4 Interceptions and returned 3 of the 4 INT's for touchdowns as a senior. Also saw time as a running back & wide receiver during his career. Thornton earned Academic All-American Honors in addition to being named 2nd Team D-IAA Independent All-American as a cornerback. Thornton ran track for Morris Brown College as well. Graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in business while focusing on marketing.

Personal
Attended Troup County Comprehensive High School in LaGrange, Ga. after transferring from Riverdale High School, Riverdale Ga. Lettered in Football, Basketball, and Track as a senior. Cousin of MLB outfielder Mike Cameron and former NFL cornerback Bruce Thornton. Volunteers time speaking to students attending surrounding Atlanta area schools. The youngest of five children. Has one daughter.