Tag: Jody Fortson

WATCH: Chiefs TE Jody Fortson catches first career touchdown

Jody Fortson snagged his first career touchdown reception right when the #Chiefs needed it in the worst possible way.

The Kansas City Chiefs have their first touchdown of Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s all thanks to fan-favorite TE Jody Fortson, who now has his first career touchdown reception.

After getting the ball to start the second half, the Chiefs drove down the field and into the red zone. Needing a touchdown in the worst way, Kansas City turned to the former Division II WR-turned-TE for their answers. On third-and-goal, Mahomes tossed up a two-yard touchdown pass to Fortson. He found the open space in the endzone and Mahomes put the ball up where only the 6-6 and 230-pound tight end could get it.

This is exactly the type of play that you keep a player like Fortson on the roster for. Guys like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are getting a ton of attention, so who do you go to in the red zone? The biggest guy you have with the best catch radius.

This team is beginning to hit its stride late in the game against the Chargers. Despite turning the ball over three times in the first half they are very much alive with a chance to win this game. After a Clyde Edwards-Helaire touchdown, they’ve already come back to lead the game by seven points in the third quarter. They’ve now scored 17 unanswered points against the Chargers. Rest assured, things are about to be rocking in Arrowhead Stadium for the final quarter plus of play.

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WATCH: Chiefs TE Jody Fortson mic’d up during preseason finale

#Chiefs TE Jody Fortson had the mic during the preseason finale against the #Vikings — and he was feeling alive!

Kansas City Chiefs TE Jody Fortson was the latest player to be mic’d up during the preseason, giving fans an inside look at what one of their favorite players is like on the field.

“There’s just something about this red that makes me feel alive,” Fortson declared to Noah Gray during warmups. “Don’t you feel alive? Alive baby!”

Fortson certainly falls under the “energy giver” category, boasting an infectious energy throughout the game. Even when he was on the sidelines you could see and hear him cheering his teammates on.

You get a chance to see his excitement for his teammates on the field too. Fortson participated in Blake Bell’s touchdown celebration, spiking the ball and screaming his full head off in the process.

“I didn’t know you had a left spike like that,” Chiefs TE Travis Kelce told Fortson on the sidelines. “Go ahead and get in there too.”

Despite Kelce’s encouragement, Fortson wouldn’t end up in end zone this week. He did, however, make a killer play on special teams. He also had a key block on Gore’s touchdown run, a catch late to help ice the game and he continued to support his teammates when they scored.

Be sure to watch the full video at the top of the page or over on the Chiefs’ official YouTube channel.

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Chiefs GM Brett Veach intrigued by progress of TE Jody Fortson, CB Mike Hughes

#Chiefs GM Brett Veach spoke about the progress a pair of players made during the course of the offseason, and how it speaks to his process of acquiring talent. | from @TheJohnDillon

Just over a week away from their home opener against Cleveland, the Kansas City Chiefs have settled on a final roster and are ready to compete in 2021. After returning nearly every starter from 2019 last year, the team has turned over a fair amount of their roster in the offseason. They’ve brought in a supremely talented group of rookies and free agents to help compete for another Super Bowl.

The mastermind behind the Chiefs’ new look is general manager Brett Veach, who has called the shots in Kansas City’s front office since 2017. Speaking to reporters after the team’s roster cuts, Veach seemed enthused by the progress made by the Chiefs’ fourth-string tight end Jody Fortson, and trade acquisition at cornerback Mike Hughes.

Beginning with Fortson, Veach said he had developed well through the entire offseason process, earning his way to the 53-man roster with grit and a commitment to improvement.

“We saw the Jody Fortson of the spring, not the Jody Fortson of camp,” Veach explained of Fortson’s journey to the team. “I think it just doubles down on that mindset of just continuing to add players. At the time before training camp, if we can make the 90th player better than we have on our roster, just continue to do that because these guys do grow and develop at different rates, and if you have a conviction about a guy or you follow a guy’s process during college and early on in his career.”

He continued, speaking of his acquisition of Mike Hughes’ in May after a trade with Minnesota, and the team’s desire to constantly add talent to keep the competition fresh.

“You have an opportunity to go out and get guys like Mike Hughes,” he said of the former first-round pick. “He was a guy we liked coming out. That opportunity was there. We took it. Jody, we didn’t know, but we allowed him to continue to grow and develop. So, it really just doubles down on the mindset that you can never have enough good players and that continues from our 90 to our 53, now even into the practice squad. We’ll continue to watch guys and if we can get better on the practice squad guys, we’ll make moves there.”

The mentality Kansas City brings to its craft of player acquisition has been a strength in recent seasons. As they try to avoid the dreaded hangover that seems to plague championship teams after a loss in the Super Bowl, contributions from relatively unknown players could prove crucial for the sustained success of the Chiefs in 2021.

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Jody Fortson expresses gratitude after making Chiefs’ initial 53-man roster

On Tuesday, #Chiefs TE Jody Fortson was excited to learn he’d made the 53-man roster, but he knows the work isn’t finished. | from @EdEastonJr

The final day of roster decisions before teams around the league is stressful and emotional. It’s a day that hasn’t been too kind to Kansas City Chiefs TE Jody Fortson in the past.

With a smile, Fortson had a reason to walk away from today happy as he finally earned a roster spot with the Chiefs this season. Only a season ago, Fortson played well during training camp but failed to make the final cut as a wide receiver. The position switch to tight end hasn’t been easy, but it readjusted his mindset and helped him make the 53-man roster, as he explained during Tuesday’s press conference.

“God is good, man. I know,” said Fortson trying to hide a proud smile. “I put a lot of time into this and it was a lot of days that I thought that this wouldn’t come, but I just stayed true to it and I just kept working. And here we are. I just know, I know, there’s so much more work to do. But I was told to take my small victories as well and cherish them. So it’s just it’s been a long road, though. A long road.”

At 6-foot-6 and over 230 pounds, Fortson has excelled at the tight end position faster than most players that have played the position years longer. The problem’s that he’s already presented for opposing defenses in the preseason gave Kansas City another weapon in their arsenal. Fortson, however, is open to wearing many different hats while on the field to help the team.

“Um, I think I could play both positions, several of them,” said Fortson. “I don’t think I’m better suited at either one. But I do know that me being in a box closer to those linebackers and the safeties creates a bigger mismatch. That’s what I do know. I feel like, if they need me to play long snapper, I can go out there and do it. Like I feel like wherever they need me to play is where I’m gonna be at. I feel like there’s nothing I can’t do. So, yes, I could step outside and go play x or play z. Step in the slot. I feel like you could put me anywhere.”

Playing multiple positions is not an easy skill to find in the NFL but is valuable for coaching playbooks. Regarding drawing up unique sets, there aren’t many better than Chiefs head coach Andy Reid who shared his thoughts on Fortson making the team.

“He busts his tail,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said on Tuesday. “He’s earned the right to make that cut. It’s been his attitude all the way through, just a positive attitude and fighting for a spot. That’s been the one common denominator that got him to this point — a matter of becoming more consistent, growing in the size part of it. Remember, he was a college quarterback, then a receiver, then a tight end. So, he’s gone through a gambit of positions there.”

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Jody Fortson reflects on fan support, aims to make Chiefs’ 53-man roster

#Chiefs TE Jody Fortson is doing and saying all of the right things ahead of 53-man roster cuts. | from @TheJohnDillon

The most intriguing development of the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2021 training camp was the emergence of Jody Fortson at tight end. A fan favorite, now in his third year with the team, Fortson converted to his position behind Travis Kelce and Blake Bell after playing receiver in college.

“He’s a hard worker and he wants to do good, so you work with that,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said of Fortson. “He started off as a wide receiver and played tight end, then went back to wide receiver and back to tight end now, so he’s worked extremely hard there.”

Kansas City is in a tough position heading into their last preseason game. After signing Bell in the offseason and drafting rookie Noah Gray in April, they would otherwise be unlikely to roster four tight ends, if not for Fortson’s advent in camp. With just about a week left before the team has to make their final cut from 80 to 53 players on their final roster, Fortson is doing everything he can to secure a spot on the depth chart.

After Wednesday’s practice, he was the only player the Chiefs sent to talk to the media. Perhaps they’re wise to the hype building behind the 25-year-old prospect. Maybe it was a move calculated off Dave Toub’s comments earlier in the week, but his solo appearance at the podium felt like a portent of things to come. Fortson told reporters that special teams have been a big part of his development as a player. From the beginning, his contributions in that phase of the game were part of his plan to make the final cut.

“It was pretty much my entire mindset,” he said of making the 53 man roster on special teams, “I knew I had to go in there and be dominant. Me and Coach (Dave) Toub had a decision early in OTAs about what I needed to do and what kind of mindset I needed to have. I meditated on that all offseason as far as what I needed to do as far as holding guys up, putting hands-on people and being thicker. So, I just took the advice he gave me, and I’m continuing to build on that.”

He would be wise to heed any wisdom Toub has for him at this point in his career, as the seasoned special teams coach has major influence on roster decisions for years in Kansas City. Andy Reid is famously fixated on winning in all phases of the game, punts and kicks being no exception. Given the stacked nature of the Chiefs’ tight end position, being the team’s most valuable special teamer could be what makes or breaks his hopes of suiting up for games this season.

It’s not just in his role as a special teamer that Fortson has shown improvement, though. His run blocking was the primary focus last week against Arizona, one that Coach Reid intended to get a good look at.

“I like what I’ve seen,” Reid said of Fortson’s blocking ability. “The improvement he’s made over the last couple years is quite large and he’s done a nice job with it. I liked what he did with the blocking and everything, yes. He did a good job there.”

Fortson even put on some weight to make the switch to tight end in the offseason, 20 pounds to be exact. He told the media he was comfortable in his new form headed into cuts.

“I didn’t really think too much of it,” Fortson said of putting on a few pounds. “I love football, I love the game so whether that means I have to bulk up and play left tackle, I was going to do it because this game brings me joy. I just attacked it like I attack everything else with a winning mindset and just get it done. Whether that be eat a couple more sandwiches or another protein shake or add a little bit of junk food here and there to keep my weight up, I’m doing whatever it takes.”

At this point, Fortson he could stand to find himself at Gates BBQ a bit more often, but he’s definitely got the height the Chiefs want in their second tight-end spot. He’s about a combo double-decker and a half (ham, turkey, heavy on the sauce, please) away from looking like a slim tight end, but a solid game blocking against the Cardinals is proof that the tools are there.

Asked how he would grade his performance last week, Fortson made a point to talk about getting his running backs some space.

“I would say I did my job,” he said. “I was able to show that I could hold my own against defensive ends and linebackers and stay on track and finish my block most importantly and get my running back open. I feel like I showed a balanced game.”

He was the blocker that broke Derrick Gore free for a would-be touchdown on the game’s last drive. Fortson said the play was something of a little victory for the Chiefs, even if it looked funny on TV.

“It wasn’t more gratifying to me as it is to the rest of the team,” he said of the big run. “We got a large gain with Gore breaking a long one. I know he wished he would’ve stayed in bounds and taken a knee or scored or whatever. It was great to see him get in the open field and do what he’s capable of.”

Between all the deflection of praise to his teammates and the generally calm demeanor he kept in his time speaking to the media, Fortson looked far more like a seasoned veteran than a player potentially on the bubble. He told reporters that the support he has felt from fans, despite his minimal contributions before this preseason, has driven him forward through the ebbs and flows of his young career.

“I think this city, this town just admires how I work, and I think I fit the description of a hard worker, a grinder, somebody that’s just going to see it through,” he said. “I’ve done a little bit of community work over at Children’s Mercy Hospital, my rookie year (in) 2019, every Thursday, going to play bingo with the kids, so maybe that has something to do with it, that people just like the genuine soul that I have.

“But the fans, man, like I’ve said back in training camp in St. Joe, it was awesome to see them out there, to see, when its hot, and we’re all tired and sore and the fans are out there screaming ‘you can do it, you can do it’ and cheering, it not only motivates me but the entire team and we feed off that. So the fans, I’m truly grateful for them, especially how they’ve been riding for me, and I haven’t done anything. The fact that they trust and believe in me is second to none.”

Hopeful as ever for his chances to make the Chiefs’ final roster, Fortson has proved through the course of this preseason that he belongs. Kansas City’s offensive juggernaut could find its newest star in the third-year tight end this season, and if he makes good on the promise and inertia working in his favor, Fortson could be a Chief for years to come.

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Dave Toub praises Chiefs’ Jody Fortson, Mike Hughes ahead of roster cuts

Dave Toub told reporters that Mike Hughes and Jody Fortson have a chance to make a big impact for the #Chiefs on special teams this season. | from @TheJohnDillon

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It seems that every year special teams coach Dave Toub has a new surprise for fans after a summer off to improve the punting and kicking games for the Kansas City Chiefs. From the emergence of D.J. Alexander in 2016 as a Pro Bowl gunner to the kick return prowess of Byron Pringle being unleashed in 2020. The new season is sure to hold something special for the special teams unit in pursuit of another Super Bowl.

Andy Reid has always placed a huge emphasis on winning on special teams. Rarely in the modern pass-happy NFL does a game come down to a punt inside the 20 or field position on a kickoff, but with expectations at an all-time high, Kansas City will seek any edge it can find.

After Chiefs practice on Tuesday, Toub spoke to the media about his unit of specialists and provided key insights into his perspective on the roster ahead of the team’s final cutdowns. Toub has had tremendous influence over tough decisions in assembling the best 53 players in the past, with this year likely headed in the same direction. Speaking about players that might need a big performance to make the cut on special teams, Toub told the media that nobody’s job is safe.

“I think everybody needs to have a good showing,” Toub said, “There are guys that you might think are easy ins right now and they’re still fighting. It’s not over. That’s the thing that I tell them. I say, ‘the decision is not made until this last game is done and we get down to 53.’ They got to keep fighting, everybody. There are lots of positions that are still open right now. Special teams will have something to do with it, but offense and defense mostly.”

The versatility to play capably on either side of the ball but also on special teams can put younger players over the top for the coaching staff, making them very difficult to cut given their use in multiple phases. Players like receiver Marcus Kemp and defensive back Dicaprio Bootle could find their way onto the final roster with solid performances at their primary positions, potentially doubling as gunners on Toub’s crew.

One surprise of the preseason has been the utilization of new cornerback Mike Hughes as a punt and kick returner, a secondary role Toub sees huge upside for him in.

 “Mike is a very, very good catcher,” Toub told reporters of the former first-round pick. “He’s a talented returner. He gets up the field north and south, he looks for that north and south right away whereas he could probably press the edges a little bit more. He’s talented and we like what we see in him going forward.”

His quote on Hughes was particularly interesting given comments made about Demarcus Robinson later in the press conference. Robinson, a mainstay of the Chiefs’ special teams since being drafted by Kansas City in 2016, has found his role change from gunner to returner. Hughes appears to have usurped his role as a returner in this preseason. Upstart second-year tight end Jody Fortson, a converted receiver, is competing alongside the aforementioned Kemp to displace him elsewhere on the roster.

Toub was complimentary of Fortson too and seemed to think he was on his way to securing a roster spot.

“Jody (Fortson) is setting himself up well,” Toub told reporters. “No surprises, but I was just happy to see Jody with as hard as he worked in the offseason to be able to show it on the field as a hold-up guy, blocker and cover guy, physical. It’s good to see.”

For Toub, Kansas City’s overall roster depth presents him with a complex puzzle to solve before September in finding the absolute best players under contract to help win the Chiefs games this season. His last chance to evaluate the talent before decisions have to be made will be on Friday against the Vikings, and if history is any indication, his perspective on this game could have huge implications for the team’s roster moving forward.

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Report: Chiefs waive WR Jody Fortson

A training camp standout has been released by the Kansas City Chiefs per reports.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to work to narrow down their roster from 80 players to 53 ahead of the deadline at 3:00 p.m. CT on Saturday.

A fan favorite and standout during training camp in 2020 is among the players reported as having been released by the team. According to Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs have waived second-year WR Jody Fortson.

Fortson joined the team as an undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State in 2019. He started off working as a tight end before the team moved him over to the receiver room, where he really began to shine. He spent the entirety of the 2019 season on the practice squad, helping hone the Chiefs’ defense while working on the scout team.

Listed at 6-6 and 229 pounds, Fortson isn’t quite like the typical receiver you see on the Kansas City roster. He’s a player that uses his size to box out defenders and the body control to make incredible catches. Put the ball anywhere in the area code and he’s coming down with it.

Fortson was a standout at training camp this season, even drawing praise from Tyrann Mathieu. He made a ton of acrobatic and one-handed catches during the course of camp.

Fans and front office alike will be holding their breath, hoping that Fortson will make it through waivers. He’ll be a prime option to return to the practice squad and could even be someone they elevate on game day.

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Chiefs’ Jody Fortson hopes to be Randy Moss-like weapon for Patrick Mahomes

From Division II to the Super Bowl champions, Fortson is now making a case for the Kansas City 53-man roster.

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The star of Kansas City Chiefs training camp to this point has been second-year WR Jody Fortson.

It’s hard to miss him, as the 6-6 and 230-pound Fortson towers over his teammates in the wide receiver room. His size has Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo joking with him about playing defensive end. Fortson started with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, playing tight end, out of Division II Valdosta State in 2019. The coaching staff in Kansas City eventually sought to move him to the receiver position, recognizing they may have a special talent on their hands. He’d spend the entire 2019 season on the practice squad, where he worked on the scout team, providing a challenge for Chiefs defenders in practice.

“Yeah, we got to see Jody on the scout team last year,” Chiefs DB Daniel Sorensen said. “He’s a big body, physical, athletic, and can go up and challenge the ball. He gave us really good looks last year on the scout team. He’s doing the same thing this year in practice. It’s a great challenge for the guys that match up on him because he is a big, athletic wide receiver that you have to deal with.”

Now, Fortson is taking the spotlight at training camp, making daily highlight-reel plays. They’re not coming against roster bubble players either. He’s had opportunities to match up against Chiefs’ starting corners Bashaud Breeland and Charvarius Ward, each time coming down with acrobatic catches.

He’s even worked across from the most vocal and competitive player on the defensive side of the ball, Tyrann Mathieu. The matchup left Mathieu singing his praises on Twitter.

It was a moment that meant a lot to Fortson, who wore the No. 7 jersey at South Park High in Buffalo, New York because of Mathieu. He’s earned the praise, however, not only with his performances in practice but for constantly taking advice from veterans in the locker room.

“To be honest with you the only thing I did was take the advice of the great vets that we have on the team,” Fortson said. “From Sammy (Watkins), Mecole (Hardman), D-Rob (Demarcus Robinson), even Chris Jones and Tyrann (Mathieu) on the defensive side. I just took everything they gave me throughout the last season and tried to implement it into this offseason protocol for myself. I just come out every day ready to attack and just get better.”

And Fortson has improved each and every day. He feels comfortable in the offensive scheme in Kansas City, so he can focus on the little details that will make him better in the long run.

Fortson has also proven to be different. He’s not a 5-10 speedster like Tyreek Hill or Mecole Hardman. His game, the way he plays it and finds success, is different from the way signature receivers in the Chiefs offense find success. He wins in jump-ball scenarios and uses his body to box out smaller defenders. He’s said to model his game after Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss. That’s the type of impact he hopes to have in Kansas City one day, soon.

“Randy’s just an athletic freak,” Fortson said. “I feel like he can out-jump anyone, he can just run past anyone. I might not be able to run past everybody, but I feel like any ball that’s in the air, I feel like I have a great chance of coming down with it. Randy just did a lot of things different from anybody else. He kind of played his own way. He’s just a freak and I want to be able to implement that into my game.”

Living up to all the accolades of the Hall of Fame career of Moss seems out of reach for any NFL receiver. But up to this point, Fortson’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From Division II to landing on the roster of the eventual Super Bowl champions. Now, he’s making his case to make the team. Should he make the 53-man roster in Kansas City, he could be well on his way to becoming that Randy Moss-like player for the Chiefs Kingdom.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster; I’ll tell you that, but it’s definitely been well worth the journey,” Fortson said. “I wouldn’t trade anything I’ve been through right now to be where I am. I’m definitely grateful for it all. It’s been a journey.”

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Buffalo natives on Chiefs celebrate Super Bowl berth (video)

Buffalo natives celebrate with Kansas City Chiefs after AFC Championship.

The Bills unfortunately won’t be in the Super Bowl, but that doesn’t mean Buffalo is not going to be repped.

The Chiefs have a couple of players from Western New York on their roster. Among them are wide receiver Jody Fortson and linebacker Demone Harris. Fortson attended South Park High School and Erie Community College. Harris went to Bishop Timon and the University at Buffalo.

While celebrating their AFC Title on Sunday, the two linked up on the field showing their Western New York pride. The two were tossing out “716” which of course is the Buffalo area code:

Along with Fortson and Harris, there’s also Ryan Hunter also on the Chiefs, who’s not shown in the video. The North Bay, Ontario native attended Canisius High School.

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