Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady attended the team’s training camp practice on Friday and is reportedly impressed with a rookie wide receiver.
According to Nick Walters of Channel 13 News Las Vegas, Brady had a long conversation with rookie receiver Dont’e Thornton at Raiders practice, and the Hall of Fame quarterback is impressed with the fourth-round receiver out of Tennessee.
“We couldn’t shoot all of Tom Brady’s interactions at Raiders camp, but a longer conversation I saw him have was with WR Dont’e Thornton,” Walters wrote on X.
“Brady looked eye to eye with the 6’5 rookie out of Tennessee. Vegas’ minority owner seemingly likes what he sees.”
Thornton has been standing out at camp and is making a case for early playing time in the Raiders’ offense.
The 22-year-old wasn’t very productive in college, as his best season came in 2024 with the Volunteers, where he snagged 26 receptions for 661 yards and six touchdowns. Thornton also played two seasons with Oregon before transferring to Tennessee in 2023, where he finished his college career.
However, Thornton’s speed and explosiveness are incredibly exciting, making him a potential big-play threat at the next level. The Baltimore native’s 6-foot-5 frame also makes him a dynamic red zone threat.
Las Vegas needs another receiver to step up opposite Jakobi Meyers. Tre Tucker and rookie Jack Bech have also been solid in camp, but it’s clear that Thornton is opening eyes and impressing many, including Brady.
If Thornton posts a productive preseason, it will be hard to keep him off the field in the regular season, especially with his big-play potential and elite size.
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