Tag: Jody Fortson

Chiefs Dave Toub sees potential in a recently elevated tight end: ‘A three-phase player for us’

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Toub sees potential in tight end Peyton Hendershot: ‘A three-phase player for us’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ special teams unit has played well this season, as players rotate often due to injury and needs in the offensive and defensive gameplans. Coordinator Dave Toub is proud of his group but acknowledged the work and potential of former practice squad tight end Peyton Hendershot.

“Yeah, he (Peyton Hendershot) was a good player in Dallas. I talked to (Cowboys Special Teams Coordinator John) Fassel down there, and he called me immediately as soon as we traded for him, and he said, ‘You got my guy.’ He does a good job.” said Toub. “He can run and does a good job; he’s real physical. He understands, has good instincts, and helped us in that game. He was able to step in on a short – you know, obviously, when he (Jared Wiley) got hurt – he got (called up)on short notice and was able to be a three-phase player for us in that game, so it helped.”

Hendershot made his season debut for the Chiefs in last Monday’s overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will likely play prominently on special teams, but, as Toub said, he should see time on offense filling in for injured tight ends Jody Fortson and Jared Wiley. He had 15 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown during his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes reacts to Jody Fortson’s injury update: ‘It’s terrible news’

Kansas City #Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts to Jody Fortson’s injury update: ‘It’s terrible news’ | @EdEastonJr

The injury news continues to affect the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, who lost veteran tight end Jody Fortson to a knee injury in Week 8. Patrick Mahomes opened up about his teammates’ contributions to the team before the injury.

“It’s extremely tough just because you know how hard he’s (Jody Fortson) worked to get back from the injuries he’s had in the past, and he’s such a good dude.” Said Mahomes. “I mean, he’ll do whatever to be on that football field. He’s one of those guys where you’re like, ‘Go block the middle linebacker,’ and he’ll block the middle linebacker. He’ll do whatever it takes to help your team win.”

The Chiefs tight end recently posted on social media that he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus against the Raiders last Sunday. With his season likely over, Mahomes expressed his sadness for his situation.

“You feel terrible. In the locker room after somewhat getting the news, you don’t know for sure, but you kind of know.” Said Mahomes. “You know how much it means for him, and it means a lot for us for him to be out there. Obviously, it’s terrible news, but at the same time, I know the human, I know the person, and I know (that) he’ll continue to fight back and give himself another opportunity to get back out on that football field.”

Fortson returned to the Chiefs after being cut by the Miami Dolphins shortly before the start of the season. He was recently elevated to the main roster and is considered a reliable red-zone target.

Chiefs place fan-favorite TE on injured reserve after Josh Uche trade

The Kansas City #Chiefs are set to place fan-favorite TE Jody Fortson on their injured reserve list after trading for Josh Uche on Monday.

According to a report from Arrowhead Pride Editor-in-Chief Pete Sweeney, the Kansas City Chiefs are placing fan-favorite tight end Jody Fortson on their injured reserve list after acquiring pass-rusher Josh Uche in a trade with the New England Patriots on Monday.

Fortson was active for the Chiefs’ Week 8 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday but failed to record a catch in the game.

A three-time Super Bowl champion, Fortson initially signed with Kansas City as a free agent after the 2019 NFL draft and was part of the Chiefs’ roster until March 15, 2024, when he signed with the Miami Dolphins.

Miami released Fortson after training camp on August 25 and signed with Kansas City on September 26.

 

In his absence, the Chiefs will rely on rookie Jared Wiley as the third-string tight end behind Noah Gray and Travis Kelce on their depth chart.

Stay tuned to see how Wiley responds to his increased role in Week 9 when Kansas City hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arrowhead Stadium on November 4.

Chiefs elevate fan-favorite TE to 53-man roster, sign second-year DB

The #Chiefs elevated fan-favorite TE Jody Fortson to their 53-man roster on Friday, and signed DB Darius Rush to a practice squad contract. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced two roster moves ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

The recent addition of tight end Jody Fortson to the practice squad was a welcome sight for many players who have been teammates with him during multiple Super Bowl runs.

The former wide receiver converted tight end was initially signed by the Miami Dolphins last offseason but was cut shortly before the start of the regular season. The move corresponds to the Chiefs placing receiver Rashee Rice on injured reserve on Thursday.

Fortson proved to be a reliable red-zone target for Patrick Mahomes, collecting four receiving touchdowns in his two active seasons with Kansas City.

However, he spent most of the 2023 season on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder and didn’t play a game last season.

The Chiefs are also bringing back defensive back Darius Rush as their latest signing to the practice squad. Rush, a 2023 fifth-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, has spent time on Kansas City’s practice squad and was recently cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers squad.

Travis Kelce comments on the return of a Chiefs fan favorite: ‘He’s been working his tail off’

Kansas City #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce comments on the return of Jody Fortson: ‘He’s been working his tail off’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to add familiar faces to fill roster holes, creating a reunion-like vibe in the locker room.

Chiefs Pro Bowler Travis Kelce spoke to the media on Friday about the recent practice squad signing of Jody Fortson.

“Another energy guy, man. Jody (Fortson), we missed Jody since he left,” said Kelce. “But at the same time, he comes right in, still working as hard as he’s ever worked, still trying to prove himself, and still just getting better, constantly getting better. And I think Jody is a great guy to have in the building, and on top of that, he’s a great dude, man.”

Fortson went undrafted in 2019, signing with the Chiefs and spending his early years on the practice squad. He didn’t make the active roster and see regular-season game action until 2021, but he was a member of the last three Super Bowl-winning teams.

“He’s been working his tail off, trying to get ingrained into this offense and understand just the little nuances here and there,” said Kelce. “I think we’re all trying to critique ourselves to keep getting better and to keep progressing in the tight end room, and we got a lot of athletes and a lot of guys that play some ball in there.”

Fortson signed with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason but was cut shortly before the start of the season. He returns to Kansas City with hopes of continuing to build while on the practice squad.

Report: Fan favorite TE meeting with Chiefs on Thursday

According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, fan favorite TE Jody Fortson met with the #Chiefs on Thursday.

The Kansas City Chiefs may be looking to bring in another tight end after Travis Kelce’s slow start in the 2024 regular season.

On Thursday, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reported that tight end Jody Fortson, a fan favorite in Kansas City, was at the Chiefs’ facilities.

Though Taylor didn’t indicate whether the team intended to sign Fortson, who has been part of all three of Kansas City’s Super Bowl rosters in the Patrick Mahomes era, his meeting with the Chiefs could indicate Brett Veach’s desire to add a big-bodied pass-catcher to Andy Reid’s offense.

Fortson signed with the Miami Dolphins earlier this year but has been a free agent since he was released on August 25.

https://twitter.com/ByNateTaylor/status/1839346956600242442

Fortson’s meeting with Kansas City isn’t less likely to be a product of concern about Kelce but, rather, a sign that the Chiefs are seeking to sign a red zone threat who can help Mahomes finish drives with touchdowns.

Former Chiefs TE, Super Bowl champion released by Dolphins

According to a report, former #Chiefs TE and Super Bowl champion Jody Fortson was released by the Dolphins on Sunday.

According to a report, the Miami Dolphins parted ways with former Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jody Fortson.

The Chiefs signed Fortson in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State before placing him on the practice squad. The former Blazer joined Kansas City’s active roster in 2022 but spent most of his tenure with the Chiefs, including Super Bowls LVII and LVIII, on injured reserve.

Fortson struggled during his time away from Kansas City, only tallying 2 receptions for 20 yards in three games with the Dolphins.

 

After adding tight ends Irv Smith and Jared Wiley in the 2024 offseason, it seems unlikely that the Chiefs’ front office would pursue a reunion with Fortson, but his availability could give Kansas City options if injuries play a factor at the position this season.

Stay tuned to see if Fortson catches on with another team in the coming days as news of cuts and signings roll in ahead of the regular season kickoff on September 5.

Dolphins begin cuts by releasing QB Mike White, TE Jody Fortson

The Dolphins got their roster trim started with a couple unsurprising decisions Sunday.

The Miami Dolphins have until Tuesday to cut their roster from 90 players to 53. They reportedly got started Sunday by releasing quarterback Mike White and tight end Jody Fortson, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Neither decision is particularly surprising. White was in a tight battle with Skylar Thompson for backup duties behind Tua Tagovailoa, but that competition ended Friday when Thompson excelled in the Dolphins’ preseason finale.

White’s contract also made him a likely cut, as the Dolphins will save $3.5 million by parting with the quarterback.

Fortson was signed by the Dolphins earlier this year after spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He struggled in Miami, though, and finished preseason with just two receptions.

Other tight ends buried on the Dolphins’ depth chart — like Tanner Conner and Hayden Rucci — had strong preseason showings, leaving little doubt that Fortson would be released before the end of August.

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2024 NFL Draft: Legendary kicker Robbie Gould on his experience as an undrafted player

Legendary kicker Robbie Gould told #Chiefs Wire’s @EdEastonJr about his experience as an undrafted player during a recent interview

The NFL Draft has been essential for the Kansas City Chiefs during their run of success. Over the years, many of the Chiefs’ draft picks have contributed to their Super Bowl titles, but the franchise also has multiple undrafted free agents.

The Chiefs have struck gold with undrafted free agents, like former players Tommy Townsend, Shane Buechele, and Jody Fortson. Tershawn Wharton is still a significant contributor to the defensive line.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. sat down recently with Chicago Bears great and former 18-year kicker Robbie Gould to discuss his thoughts on going undrafted, which motivated him to a successful career.

“It doesn’t matter when your name gets called or if it doesn’t get called at all,” Gould explained. “It’s all about just getting an opportunity. So some of these guys, sometimes if you go on the later rounds, it’s not even a great spot for you because it might not be a perfect fit for that kid. So to me, it’s if you get an opportunity, whether it be by draft or whether it be a free agent tryout or whether it’s a free agency period for the offseason.”

Former Kansas State defensive back Ekow Boye-Doe was a recent example of overcoming the odds and making the Chiefs’ active roster midway through the 2023 season. As an undrafted free agent, Boye-Doe was cut after training camp but retained on the practice squad and eventually earned playing time due to injuries in Kansas City’s secondary.

“It’s just taking advantage of [the opportunity] and showcasing what you can do and that even though you miss, you can bounce back, and the reality is to compete,” Gould continued. “That’s what you’re [going to] do. If you’re getting drafted, you’re going to compete with somebody, whether it’s yourself or somebody on the roster. You’re competing for that job.

“I was an undrafted guy, so I was just hungrier to make the roster cut a few times. It made me work harder. Sometimes, it’s all about everyone having their own journey, and [enjoying] it. Know that there [are] ups and downs, and hopefully, what you put into it is what you get out of it.”

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach constantly monitors the free agent market in the days after the draft, proving it doesn’t always matter if your name is called.

At the end of the day, players only need to contribute to their team to carve out a role for themselves in the NFL.

Breaking down the terms of new Dolphins TE Jody Fortson’s contract

Contract details for new Dolphins TE Jody Fortson.

With the Miami Dolphins struggling to get production from the tight end position in 2023, general manager Chris Grier added two in free agency, including Jody Fortson.

Fortson, 28, joined the Dolphins on a one-year deal worth $1.23 million after spending the last five seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and winning three Super Bowls.

According to Over the Cap, Fortson will receive a $1 million base salary ($400,000 guaranteed). The contract includes a $25,000 signing bonus and $200,000 in per-game roster bonuses. His cap hit for the 2024 season is $1.03 million.

If Miami were to release Fortson before the season begins, the team would save $600,000 while incurring a dead-cap hit of $425,000.

Durham Smythe was really the only tight end who did much of anything last year, so if Fortson stays healthy, he has as good of a chance as anyone to compete for opportunities this year.

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