Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: S. J. Carrera, Inc.
Thorson Selected in First Round of USFL Draft by Houston
2/22/2022 7:45:00 PM | Football
HOUSTON — With the fifth overall pick of the 2022 USFL Draft, the Houston Gamblers selected former Northwestern standout quarterback Clayton Thorson.
The program's all-time passing leader with 10,731 yards and 61 touchdowns, Thorson started a Big Ten record 53-straight games at quarterback to lead the Wildcats to four-straight bowl games. The Wildcats won three-straight bowls for the first time in program history and claimed the program's first Big Ten West Division title in 2018 with Thorson at the helm.
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Thorson finished his career second in Big Ten history with 991 career completions and fifth in career passing yards.
A homegrown product out of Wheaton, Thorson was selected in the fifth round with the 167th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 National Football League Draft. Thorson also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants before being selected by the Gamblers.
Relive the moment Warren Moon announced Clayton Thorson is going to the Gamblers pic.twitter.com/wdMQx6OJ5Z
— USFL (@USFL) February 23, 2022
Homegrown ?? Houston ??
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) February 23, 2022
Clayton Thorson's #ProCats journey continues after @USFLGamblers took the QB in the first round of the @USFL Draft. #GoCats | @coachfitz51 pic.twitter.com/AFHreHP3n0
The program's all-time passing leader with 10,731 yards and 61 touchdowns, Thorson started a Big Ten record 53-straight games at quarterback to lead the Wildcats to four-straight bowl games. The Wildcats won three-straight bowls for the first time in program history and claimed the program's first Big Ten West Division title in 2018 with Thorson at the helm.
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Thorson finished his career second in Big Ten history with 991 career completions and fifth in career passing yards.
A homegrown product out of Wheaton, Thorson was selected in the fifth round with the 167th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 National Football League Draft. Thorson also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants before being selected by the Gamblers.
Football – David Braun, Chip Kelly Media Availability (2/4/25)
Wednesday, February 04
Football - GameAbove Sports Bowl Cinematic Recap
Tuesday, December 30
Football - David Braun Speaks on the Addition of Chip Kelly as Offensive Coordinator
Tuesday, December 30
Football - GameAbove Sports Bowl Postgame Press Conference (12/26/25)
Friday, December 26
