David Thornton back to Colts roots

Posted May 31, 2012
David Thornton joined the Colts as a fourth-round draft pick in 2002. Thornton was a classic success story at North Carolina. He fashioned a career that saw him go from a freshman walk-on to a senior starting linebacker. Thornton’s final year was so noteworthy that he was voted team MVP on a squad that featured players who were the second and sixth overall choices in the NFL Draft, defensive linemen Julius Peppers and Ryan Sims. (Indianapolis Colts)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

Bill Belichick's quarterback shakeup at UNC: FCS record breaker joins Tar Heels
In an effort to revamp UNC's offense, Bill Belichick has landed his third offseason quarterback transfer in Western Carolina's Taron Dickens. An FCS record-breaker for...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

THT Newsletter: Caleb Wilson Injured, Baseball Sweeps, Malloy Smith Offered, Dylan Mingo To Commit
It was quite the eventful week in UNC Athletics. Caleb Wilson suffered a broken hand, the Diamond Heels swept their season opener, Kenny Smith’s son...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

Carolina Insider Podcast: Remembering James Spurling, UNC vs. NC State Basketball Preview
A different show as our main focus is remembering our friend James Spurling by re-running his interview from 2019 (11:53). James' Celebration of Life was...
Mon Feb 16, 2026

UNC mourns 'selfless' James Spurling, who impacted Tar Heel football for decades
On Sunday afternoon, for the first time in more than half a century, Carolina Football will gather without James Spurling. A Celebration of Life will...
Fri Feb 13, 2026