Former North Carolina standout linebacker David Thornton announced his retirement from the NFL Friday.
The 32-year-old Goldsboro native spent 10 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.
A fourth-round pick by the Colts in 2002, Thornton went to Carolina as a walk-on but developed into one of the top linebackers in the nation.
Thornton, in a released statement, thanked former Tar Heels coach John Bunting, former Colts coach Tony Dungy and former Titans coach Jeff Fisher among others for their help in his long career.
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David Thornton...
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 18:18 — UNC1998is truly a man every North Carolinian can be proud of. He fought hard to acheive a dream. He did not let acheiving that dream diminish his spirit and determination. Congrats! You sure make me proud.
Great Career
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 18:15 — Heels20Great career for a great story. Congratulations to David Thornton on a long and successful NFL career.
What a great story. You
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 11:14 — awdracerWhat a great story. You toil for a couple of years as a walk-on. Then a coaching change happens and you get your shot. Then suddenly...BOOM. You are the best player on the team and you get drafted by the NFL. He lived every walk-on's dream.
Two UNCers from Goldsboro
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 09:46 — AgentPierceOdd timing. Two well-known UNCers from Goldsboro announce their retirement within the same week.
David Thornton is a first-class individual. His career path from walk-on to NFL starter is a great story. His growth as a man is even greater.
odd
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 23:00 — jtric1963nothing odd about retiring---it happens so get over it.