20 year old central defender Jonathan Grounds joined Norwich on 1st September 2008 on a three month loan from Middlesbrough following the sale of Jason Shackell to Wolves.

Grounds is set to be with the Canaries from September 1st 2008 to November 30th 2008, however Middlesbrough have the ability of a 24-hour recall after the first 28 days are completed

Grounds, who can also play at left-back, is a product of Middlesbrough's academy. He made his first-team debut for Middlesbrough against Liverpool in a 1-1 draw in January 2008. He made a further four appearances for Boro during 2007/8

Grounds made his debut as a 79th minute substitute in the 2-1 win at Plymouth on 13th September 2008. His full debut came on 20th September 2008, following Jon Kennedy's injury, against Sheffield United which City won 1-0.

Jonathan was recalled by Boro on 2nd October 2008 due to their injury and suspension problems with Wales international defender Rhys Williams the latest casualty with knee ligament damage. Boro' skipper Emanuel Pogatetz is serving a three-match ban for the red card that followed his controversial tackle on Manchester United's Rodrigo Possebon in the Carling Cup

Jonathan rejoined Norwich on loan on 7th January 2008 on a 2 month loan. although Boro will have a 24-hour recall after the first 28 days of the loan.

City manager Glenn Roeder said: “I'm absolutely delighted to be able to tell our supporters that we've managed to get Jonathan Grounds back to Carrow Road for the next couple of months. It's a position that we've known we've needed to fill, with Gary Doherty being the only fit, natural centre-back currently at the club. Jonathan did extremely well with us prior to Christmas and we know what we're getting - an exceptional player and an exceptional character.”

He returned to Boro following the 2-0 defeat to Blackpool on 7th March 2009

Media speculation at the end of April 2010 suggested that Boro manager Gordon Strachan would release Grounds at the end of the 2009/10 season. This didn't happen and Grounds signed a new two year deal but he was allowed to jon Hibs on a six month loan on 1st September 2010.

Although he returned to Boro, he struggled to get into the first team at the beginning of the 2011/12 season and was loaned to Chesterfield on 25th August 2011 on a month's deal. Boro boss Tony Mowbray told BBC Tees: "He needs to go and play some football. We'll see how he gets on and what happens after that."

On 22nd February 2012, Yeovil signed Grounds and his Boro teammate Jonathan Franks on a month's loan

Grounds left Boro when his contract expired at the end of June 2012 and promptly joined Oldham on a two year deal. He had made 37 appearances for Boro.

On 2nd June 2014, Birmingham announced the signing of Grounds when his contract at Oldham expires on 1st July 2014. Grounds signed a two year deal. "Jonathan's versatility is important," said Birmingham manager Lee Clark. "He can play as a left-back or left-sided centre half. We conceded far too many goals last season, so it was key we strengthened our defence. Grounds first played under Clark during a loan spell at Norwich in 2008. He had played 106 games for Oldham, scoring three goals.

On 13th August 2018, Grounds was loaned to Bolton for the 2018/19 season. Although he had played 170 times for Birmingham, only one of those was under current manager Gary Monk due to knee ligament injury.

Grounds was released by Birmingham at the end of the 2019/20 season after aix years and 170 appearances. On 17th September 2020 Grounds signed a one year contract with Swindon Town. Unfortunately Swindon were relegated to League Two on 24th April 2021.

On 23rd July 2021 his Swindon contract was cancelled by mutual consent and he signed for Exeter City three days later. He made 21 appearances, scoring twice, for the Grecians as they won promotion from League Two in the 2021/22 season. he made 22 appeearances the following season but rejected the offer of a player-coach role in 2023 and left in June 2023.

Grounds returned to Birmingham City as an academy coach in 2024. He worked with the under-16s and as assistant to under-21s manager Steve Spooner before being appointed to the role of First Team Development Coach in October 2024. Men’s First Team Manager, Chris Davies, commented: “I have really enjoyed working with Jonathan since I arrived at the Club in June. He has a good feel and understanding of Blues from his playing days, but most importantly has an excellent understanding of the game. His contributions have been invaluable and he has proven particularly important when it comes to the development of our younger players, so I am very pleased that he has been added to my staff.”