The New York Jets announced Friday the signing of defensive back Bruce Thornton. The Jets also waived defensive back Jovon Johnson. The announcements were made by Jets’ General Manager Mike Tannenbaum.Â
Thornton, 5-10, 195 pounds, entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2004 draft. He has played in 13 NFL games, one in his rookie season as a member of the Cowboys and 12 in 2005 with the San Francisco 49ers. He has recorded 32 tackles, two interceptions, and ten passes defended. As a three-year starter at Georgia, Thornton collected 129 tackles, 21 passes defended and four interceptions. A native of La Grange, GA, Thornton also gained 230 yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries playing tailback as a freshman.Â
Johnson, 5-9, 180 pounds, signed with the Jets on Tuesday, August 1 after a four-year career at the University of Iowa. The native of Erie, PA, ranks third on Iowa’s all-time career interceptions list with 17, one shy of the school record. He also led the Big Ten in 2005 with a 17.4 punt return average and ranks second in school annals in passes defensed with 32.