Silver linings are hard to come by when the Kansas City Chiefs drop an important game within the division, but the emergence of tight end Jody Fortson against Los Angeles was a positive part of the disappointing matchup. After sneaking free on the goal line, Patrick Mahomes found him on a quick pass that highlighted Fortson’s ability to elevate and grab a contested ball for his first career touchdown.
A training camp favorite two years running, and one of the coaching staff’s developmental darlings on offense, Fortson is taking big strides toward being a consistent presence in the NFL’s most impressive offense. In comments to the media following the Chiefs’ loss to the Chargers, Fortson explained the bittersweet feelings of catching the biggest pass of his career, while remaining disappointed in the final outcome. He provided insight into Andy Reid’s message to the team, which happened prior to the coach falling ill and heading to the hospital.
“We’ve just got to eliminate the turnovers,” Fortson told reporters, “Coach Reid said it best, ‘We’ve got to have more respect for the football.’ Turning it over’s not going to win us any games. We’ve just got to continue putting our head down and work hard and just battle back next week. I have no doubt that we’ll be on the right page.”
On the touchdown reception that could change the trajectory of his whole career, Fortson was pleased to have made an impact but placed the success of the team as a whole above any individual contribution he made.
“I’m definitely grateful to get the first one out of the way,” Fortson explained. “[It helped] get the pressure off, I’ve got to score, get all that off my back. So now, it’s simply just playing football, be the best teammate I can be. Unfortunately, we came up short in this one. I would much rather have the win than the touchdown, but we just have to build on it and come back next week strong.”
He continued, deflecting all praise for the big play to his quarterback, who had a rough go against the Chargers.
“Pat [Patrick Mahomes] just made a great throw,” He said. “He just put it where nobody else could get it but me. He just put it up there and allowed me to fully reach out and show my athletic ability to climb the ladder and go get the ball. So really, much respect to 15. He does that day in and day out. I was just happy I was in the place to catch the ball and make a play”
Kansas City needs whatever help it can get on either side of the ball, and Fortson seems to be carving out a legitimate role for himself in the offense, even if only in limited snaps so far. He seems motivated to help the Chiefs get out of their two-game losing streak. With more time to develop and time to learn the ins and outs of the offense, Fortson could find himself as a crucial player for the Chiefs down the stretch.
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