Tyquan Thornton has made a name for himself in the NFL with his incredible speed and ability to stretch the field as a deep-threat wide receiver.
Now playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, he started his pro career with the New England Patriots before finding a new home in Kansas City.
But behind every successful athlete is a strong support system, and for Tyquan, that starts with his parents.
His parents, Latasha Jackson and Tyron Thornton, are both African American, giving Tyquan a rich heritage rooted in Black American culture.
They hail from Miami, Florida, where Tyquan was born and raised, and their nationality is American.
This Family Background has Played a Big Role in Shaping the Man and Player he is Today
Tyquan was born on August 7, 2000, in Miami, Florida, to his Black parents, Latasha and Tyron.
Growing up in the vibrant city of Miami, he was surrounded by a community that valued hard work and perseverance.
His early life was filled with sports, as he attended Booker T. Washington Senior High School, where he excelled in football and track.
Initially, he committed to play college football at the University of Florida, but he later flipped to Baylor University, where he honed his skills and set records.
No public information mentions any siblings, so it appears that Tyquan grew up as the sole focus of his parents’ attention and support.
His family life seems close-knit, with his parents always emphasizing unity and encouragement.
Latasha Jackson, Tyquan’s mother, is originally from Miami. She has built a steady career in retail and education services.
She currently works at Whole Foods Market in Miami, a position she has held since 2019, and also serves as an assistant manager at the University of Miami.
Latasha is known for maintaining cohesion, both in her family and at work.
She brings a sense of stability and warmth that has helped Tyquan stay grounded amid the ups and downs of professional sports.
Her support for his football dreams has been unwavering, from his high school days to his NFL journey.
You can often see her pride shining through on social media, where she posts about his games, updates, and achievements.
Tyquan’s father, Tyron Thornton, also has deep roots in Miami.
He grew up in Overtown, a historic African American neighborhood in the city known for its cultural significance and resilience.
Tyron graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School in 1996 and now works as a cook at the University of Miami, specifically at the Mahoney Pearson Dining Hall.
His background in Overtown likely instilled in him a strong work ethic, which he passed on to his son.
Like Latasha, Tyron is a chef at heart and is currently employed by Compass Group, adding to his culinary experience.
Both parents share a connection to the University of Miami through their jobs, which ties into Tyquan’s local pride.
Tyron is just as vocal about his son’s success, cheering from the stands and sharing moments on Facebook.
The Thornton family’s African American ethnicity is a source of strength for Tyquan.
Growing up in Miami’s diverse yet predominantly Black communities, such as Overtown, he was exposed to stories of overcoming challenges, which mirror his own path in the NFL.
His parents have been his biggest cheerleaders, attending games and posting about his performances online.
They supported his dreams without hesitation, helping him rise from high school stardom to college at Baylor and into the pros.
Back in 2021, when Tyquan graduated from Baylor University, he shared a heartfelt photo on Instagram.
In it, he’s posing with his parents, wearing his graduation attire with a student-athlete tag. The caption read,
“You can’t enjoy the sunshine if you never stood in the rain 💫 #Blessed🙏🏾.”
Tyquan’s Professional Career Kicked Off at the 2022 NFL Combine
The New England Patriots drafted him in the second round, 50th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.
His rookie year showed promise, with 22 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns, plus a rushing score.
Injuries sidelined him at times, including a fractured clavicle in 2022 and another stint on injured reserve in 2023.
The Patriots waived him on November 16, 2024, but he quickly bounced back.
On November 19, 2024, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad, and by February 11, 2025, he inked a reserve/future contract.
Now, in the 2025 season, Tyquan is thriving as a key piece in the Chiefs’ offense, with 10 receptions for 182 yards, averaging 18.2 yards per catch, and three touchdowns so far.
Recently, Tyquan has been in the spotlight for his strong performances.
In a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 6, 2025, he had a blistering start, hauling in multiple big plays despite the Chiefs’ tough loss.
Patrick Mahomes connected with him on a 34-yard deep ball that put them in the red zone, a 24-yard jump-pass completion, and a 32-yard gain that highlighted his speed.
Even in defeat, Tyquan showed why he’s a deep threat, finishing the first quarter with 56 yards alone.
After the game, he talked about the flood of supportive messages from family and friends. He said,
“I’ve been getting a lot of texts and calls and stuff like that. I feel very appreciated, too. I love the support from all my fans and family. You know, I was definitely thinking about it a lot.”
His emergence this season has even sparked talks about the Chiefs extending his contract beyond 2025, as he’s proving to be a valuable asset in their quest for another title.
Tyquan’s story is one of resilience, much like the rain-to-sunshine metaphor in his graduation post.
His parents’ African American heritage and steadfast support have been the foundation.
From Miami’s streets to NFL stadiums, Latasha and Tyron have been there every step, proud of their son’s second act with the Chiefs.
As Tyquan continues to build his legacy, his family remains the heart of it all.
