Thorpe was a talented half-back who was spotted by Second Division Blackpool after featuring for Seaham Albion and Seaham Harbour.

After signing for the Seasiders in 1910, Thorpe made his debut in a 2-0 victory at Bloomfield Road against Leicester Fosse. That was the first of 98 appearances for Blackpool, all in consecutive games, 92 in the league and six in the Cup.

After appearing in the first nine games of the 1913/14 season for Blackpool, Thorpe was given a trial with top flight Bradford City. It didn't work out at Valley Parade, but Thorpe joined Burnley, also in the First Division, for a £750 fee at the end of October.

Thorpe returned to play for Blackpool, among other clubs, as a guest during the First World War.

Leeds City also welcomed him and Thorpe made his Peacocks debut on 2 September 1916 against Leicester Fosse. The Leeds Mercury's JRB reported that he 'gave a good exhibition' in a 2-2 draw. The following week, Thorpe scored 'a capital goal' in a 6-1 victory at Grimsby. He injured his ankle in the 5-0 defeat of Notts County on 16 September and was missing until 14 October when he returned against The Wednesday.

Thorpe was a City regular throughout the campaign, playing in 24 Midland Section and 4 Subsidiary Tournament games, acknowledged as 'a great success at left half-back', as Leeds secured the Midland Section title after a glorious season.

Thorpe returned to Burnley in 1919 to become a vital member of the side. He was selected to play for the Football League but had to withdraw through illness and he was also an England reserve for the wartime international against Wales in October 1919.

He joined Blackburn Rovers for £3,000 in 1920 and made 85 League and 7 FA Cup appearances for the Ewood Park club before signing for Third Division Lincoln City in September 1922. He became an inspiring captain at Sincil Bank, scoring nine goals in 69 appearances. He went on to be a great success in coaching the Imps' youngsters, though 'it was a pity he had not more adequate material to work upon!'

He finished his career with 31 appearances for Rochdale, for whom he signed in 1924, before retiring in 1925.

Thorpe died on 26 February 1935.