Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton had a strong message for young players in the NFL. If you’re struggling at your job, stay away from social media.
The former New England Patriots second-round draft pick admitted he had a tough time early in his career dealing with the scathing criticism from the media. He would struggle in games, scroll through Twitter and get down on himself.
Enough of that can eat away at a young player’s confidence.
Thornton was eventually released from the Patriots, and he worked his way up from the Chiefs’ practice squad to being one of the team’s leading receivers. He admitted that he loved his time in New England, including the players and staff, but there was one part of that experience that nearly derailed him.
“I know my time during New England, while I was there, the media used to try to beat up on me a little bit bad,” Thornton told media members. “So I remember just not having the best game of my career, being a young player, going to Twitter and seeing the media just beating you up, beating you up, beating you up—I used to get down on myself just a little bit.
“But looking myself in the mirror, just knowing who I truly am, keeping my head high, just keep pounding at the rock, just keep working. Now, it’s starting to show a little bit. So I just keep on getting better and just keep on improving.”
#Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton talks about his journey from New England to Kansas City.
He adds, “If you’re a young player, I’ll give you advice; if you’re not doing well, don’t look at Twitter.” 😅 pic.twitter.com/azDIUQiqOV
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) September 24, 2025
Thornton’s run in New England was clearly a dud, but at only 25 years old, he is showing there is more to his game than originally believed.
He has nine receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns for the Chiefs through three games. His best season with the Patriots yielded only 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns. More experience, confidence and an improved developmental system in Kansas City might finally have Thornton on track to playing up to his full potential.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton breaks silence on failed run with Patriots
