Darrick Forrest Jr. Bio
Darrick Forrest Jr. is an American professional football safety who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. Born on May 22, 1999, in Columbus, Ohio, Forrest developed into a reliable NFL safety after playing college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The Washington Football Team selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 163rd overall pick. After establishing himself as a capable safety with the Washington franchise, Forrest has continued his NFL career with multiple teams, showcasing his versatility and durability at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Darrick Forrest Jr. grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he attended Walnut Ridge High School. As a high school player, Forrest developed his skills as a defensive back and emerged as a promising prospect. His performance at Walnut Ridge earned him a three-star recruit rating from scouting services. Despite interest from several Mid-American Conference schools and other programs, Forrest chose to continue his football career closer to home.
Path to Professional Football
Forrest committed to play college football at the University of Cincinnati, selecting the Bearcats over offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Toledo, and Youngstown State. At Cincinnati, Forrest developed significantly as a safety and became a key contributor to the defense. His consistent play during the 2019 season earned him First-team All-American Athletic Conference honors, validating his progression from high school prospect to college performer. He finished his collegiate career spanning four seasons from 2017 through 2020.
Darrick Forrest Jr. Career
Washington Football Team (2021–2024)
Darrick Forrest Jr. entered the NFL when the Washington Football Team selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021. His rookie season was interrupted when coaches placed him on injured reserve on September 1, but he returned to action and was activated on November 2, gaining valuable NFL experience despite the setback.
The 2022 season marked Forrest’s breakthrough year. In Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he made his first career start and recorded five tackles, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter. The following week, Forrest intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble during Washington’s 32-21 upset victory over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. Coaches named him the starting free safety before Week 11, replacing Bobby McCain in the lineup. He recorded his third interception of the season in a 23-10 win over the Houston Texans. Forrest finished 2022 with 88 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across 17 games with 11 starts.
The 2023 season saw Forrest battle injuries as coaches placed him on injured reserve on October 10 due to a shoulder injury. He finished the year with 29 tackles over five games. Following a change in defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., Forrest lost his starting role. In the 2024 regular season, he appeared in ten games with one start and recorded 13 tackles before his departure from the franchise.
Journeyman Seasons (2025)
The 2025 season became a transitional year for Darrick Forrest Jr. as he joined multiple organizations in search of playing time. On March 13, 2025, he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills released him on August 26 during final roster cuts. Forrest then signed with the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 9 but was released just four days later. He later joined the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on October 29 and was released on November 12, continuing his journeyman path through the league.
San Francisco 49ers (2025–Present)
Darrick Forrest Jr. signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad on January 14, 2026, signaling a fresh start with the NFC franchise. Six days later, he signed a reserve/futures contract with San Francisco, securing his place on the roster for the 2026 season. The 49ers placed him on injured reserve on May 28 due to an undisclosed injury, temporarily halting his progress with the team.
Playing Style and Strengths
Darrick Forrest Jr. has established himself as a versatile safety capable of playing multiple roles in defensive backfields. His instincts for the ball and ability to read quarterbacks allowed him to intercept four passes during his 2022 season with Washington. Forrest demonstrates physicality against the run and shows competitiveness in pass coverage. His experience as a starter and reserve provides teams with flexibility in defensive packages.
Notable Performances and Milestones
Forrest’s Week 1 performance against Jacksonville in 2022 stands as one of his most complete games, showcasing his ability to make plays in all facets of the game with tackles, pass breakups, a forced fumble, and an interception. His upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles that season demonstrated his clutch gene in high-pressure situations. The four-interception season in 2022 remains a career highlight that demonstrated his playmaking ability at the NFL level.
Darrick Forrest Jr. Career Statistics
Darrick Forrest Jr. has accumulated solid defensive numbers across his NFL career spanning from 2021 through the 2024 season. His most productive season came in 2022 when he earned a starting role and showcased his range as a playmaker. The following seasons saw his production decline due to injuries and scheme changes that affected his role within the defense.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Through the 2024 NFL season, Darrick Forrest Jr. has recorded 137 career tackles, four interceptions, nine pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. His best statistical year came during the 2022 season when he started 11 games and established himself as a playmaker in Washington’s secondary. The four-interception season demonstrated his ability to read quarterbacks and create turnovers for the defense.
College and Pre-NFL Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, Forrest earned First-team All-American Athletic Conference honors during the 2019 season at Cincinnati. This recognition validated his development as a college player and demonstrated his ability to compete at a high level against quality competition within the AAC.
| Season | Team | Tackles | Interceptions | Pass Deflections | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Washington | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Washington | 88 | 4 | 9 | 2 |
| 2023 | Washington | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Washington | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Darrick Forrest Jr. Personal Life
Background
Darrick Forrest Jr. maintains connections to his Ohio roots as a native of Columbus. His journey from Walnut Ridge High School in Columbus to the University of Cincinnati and eventually the NFL represents a steady progression through the football ranks. The three-star recruit worked his way up through collegiate competition to earn recognition as an All-Conference performer before entering the professional ranks.
2025 Season Outlook
The 2025 season presented challenges and opportunities for Darrick Forrest Jr. as he navigated through multiple organizations seeking consistent playing time. His stints with the Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Pittsburgh Steelers demonstrated his ability to adapt to different defensive systems and team cultures. Each opportunity allowed him to showcase his versatility while competing for roster spots. Following his December 2025 signing with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad and subsequent reserve/futures contract, Forrest positioned himself for a fresh opportunity with a franchise known for its strong defensive identity. Theinjury setback in May 2026 temporarily paused his progress, but his career trajectory shows resilience and determination to contribute at the NFL level.