The Kansas City Chiefs saw another starter on their 2022 championship roster leave for a new team on Thursday when safety Juan Thornhill inked a deal with the Cleveland Browns. In a letter to fans put out on Twitter yesterday, Thornhill thanked his teammates, coaches, and the Chiefs’ training staff for their hard work during his four years in Kansas City.
Chiefs Kingdom!!!
What a journey the past four years have been. In 2019, you guys took a chance on a small town kid from Virginia, and immediately embraced me as your own.
My time in Kansas City has been an absolute rollercoaster, from my rookie year and suffering a season ending injury, to winning our second Super Bowl this past year. I am beyond grateful for all the memories and years of support this city has given me. It’s hard to say goodbye to such a great city.
To my teammates, coaches, training & support staff, thank you all for making these past four years the greatest so far. Thank you guys for all the memories and friendships that will last forever. Growing up as a kid I have always dreamed of hoisting the Lombardi, we did to TWICE!!!
While this chapter of my life has come to an end, I am excited for what the future holds and to chase another Super Bowl in Cleveland.
Thank you Chiefs Kingdom!
Thank you #chiefskingdom ❤️ pic.twitter.com/S3r9b52IWx
— The_Juan_And_Only (@Juan_Thornhill) March 17, 2023
Though his departure is sure to sting for many Chiefs fans who grew accustomed to Thornhill’s presence in Kansas City, he is likely to get plenty of run with the Browns next season as a starter in Cleveland’s secondary.
With more attrition seemingly on the horizon for the Chiefs, the team’s front office will have to lick their wounds and pick up their pace in signing free agents to fill out their roster ahead of the NFL draft in April. The team is nowhere near the 90-man roster limit after the first week of free agency and has plenty of room to sign valuable talent that might be able to fill the gaps players like Thornhill are leaving in the Chiefs’ starting rotations.
