Former Titan Thornton Might Stick With Bears

Should Jim Thornton learn Monday that he has made the Chicago Bears, he already has decided what he’ll do in celebration.

“Go on with the season.”

It’s not surprising that Bear Coach Mike Ditka has called Thornton a no-nonsense guy.

The 6-foot 3-inch, 250-pound tight end from Cal State Fullerton, a fourth-round draft choice, appears on the verge of making the team. He’ll find out Monday when National Football League teams must make a final cut, trimming their rosters to 47 players.

Todd White, a wide receiver who set numerous records at Fullerton last season, and was a seventh-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles, also is hoping to make Monday’s final cut. White’s chances hinge largely on his special-team performance.

With only three tight ends remaining on the Bears, Thornton would seem to be a lock. He’s listed behind Emery Moorehead, an 11-year veteran, but ahead of Cap Boso, a second-year man who has been slowed by an injury recently.

The Bears might keep all three tight ends. But if they keep two, Boso could go on the injured reserve list, with Thornton making the team.

Thornton says he is “keeping his fingers crossed,” but he sounds like someone who is confident there’s no need to.

Thornton made an impression quickly in training camp. In the Bears’ first exhibition game against Miami, he caught two passes--one of them a 25-yard touchdown pass from Mike Tomczak.

His first NFL touchdown. Was it a big thrill?

“It was just a routine play,” Thornton said. “Tomczak got pressure from the left and rolled to his right. I broke to the sideline and made the linebacker choose between us. (Tomczak) threw the ball and I was right there.”

His play--and particularly his blocking ability--has caught the attention of Ditka, the first tight end to be voted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

“I like him a lot,” Ditka said. “We didn’t think we could get him where we got him (fourth round). With him there, I’m not as distraught as I was about the tight end position a little earlier in the year. We’re going to be OK there.”

Thornton came to Fullerton as a 205-pound quarterback from Analy High School in Sebastapol. But he was stuck at third-string quarterback, and Fullerton needed his athletic ability elsewhere.

“He was too good not to play,” Titan Coach Gene Murphy said.

So Thornton became a tight end, perhaps the best the Titans have had. He caught 17 passes for 230 yards last season, despite missing the last two games with a knee injury.

His success with the Bears has surprised few at Fullerton, least of all Murphy.

“I’m not surprised,” he said. “They were looking for blocking, and we always knew he could do that. The thing that’s impressed people has been his ability to catch the football. He’s got good hands, we just didn’t throw the ball to him here.”

And in Murphy’s estimation, Thornton still has plenty of room to improve. “He’s just a puppy at tight end. He’s only been playing the position maybe four years,” Murphy said.

Thornton agrees with his former coach.

“I can play better as soon as I learn the system better,” he said. “I’ve learned it on paper, but it’s different to get it down on the field.”

There’s also the matter of adjusting to the defenses, both the players and the more sophisticated stunting.

Naturally, Thornton has to contend with his rookie status with the Bears.

“At first they’re not too acceptive of the rookies,” he said. “But they’re loosening up.”

If nothing else, the veterans keep him entertained.

“They’re all crazy here,” he said. “Everybody’s got their own personality. Like Jim McMahon is just wild all the time. I laugh at him a lot.”

Overall, the situation is so . . . so . . . “professional,” Thornton said.

Let’s just say the Bears don’t share the Titans’ knack for finding hotel rooms for less than $40.

Thornton, it seems, is having no trouble getting used to the NFL.

“I figure whatever happens--as long as I’m here, I’m trying my best. Whatever happens Monday, I’ll be comfortable with what I did.”