Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. Bio
Joseph Demarius “Jody” Fortson Jr. is an American professional football tight end who currently plays in the National Football League. Born on December 7, 1995, in Buffalo, New York, Fortson began his football journey at Erie Community College before transferring to Valdosta State University, where he helped the Blazers capture the 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship. Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and built a successful professional career, earning three Super Bowl championships during his tenure. Fortson has contributed as both a receiving threat and a reliable presence on special teams throughout his NFL career.
Early Life and Background
Fortson grew up in Buffalo, New York, where he attended South Park High School. During his high school years, he developed his skills as a multi-position player, setting the foundation for his future football career. His athletic abilities and size made him a promising prospect at the tight end position at the next level.
After graduating from South Park High School, Fortson continued his football journey by playing at Erie Community College in 2015. The transition to junior college allowed him to refine his technique and gain valuable experience against collegiate-level competition. His performance at Erie CC demonstrated his potential as a playmaker, earning him an opportunity to continue his career at a four-year university.
Path to the NFL
Fortson transferred to Valdosta State University, where he played for the Blazers from 2016 to 2018. During his time at Valdosta State, he transitioned to the wide receiver position and accumulated 37 receptions for 477 yards and 7 touchdowns across 19 games. His most productive season came in 2018 when the Blazers won the NCAA Division II National Championship, though his senior season was shortened due to injury.
Despite the injury concerns, Fortson’s talent earned him invitations to postseason all-star games. He participated in both the Tropical Bowl and the College Gridiron Showcase, showcasing his abilities against top prospects from across the country. These performances helped raise his profile among NFL scouts heading into the 2019 Draft.
Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2019–2023)
Going into the NFL, Fortson made a significant position change, converting from wide receiver to tight end. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2019. The Chiefs waived Fortson during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019, but he was immediately signed to the practice squad, where he remained for the entirety of his rookie season.
Fortson’s patience and persistence paid off as he witnessed the Chiefs’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, earning his first championship ring while on the practice squad. He re-signed with the team on February 5, 2020, but was waived again during roster cuts and returned to the practice squad. This pattern of bouncing between the practice squad and active roster continued into the 2021 season.
Fortson made the Chiefs’ active roster on August 31, 2021, a significant milestone in his professional career. He recorded his first career NFL reception in Week 2 of the 2021 season against the Baltimore Ravens. The following week, he caught his first career touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fortson appeared in six games that season, finishing with five receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns before being placed on injured reserve in October 2021.
The 2022 season marked Fortson’s most productive year statistically. He appeared in 13 games, recording nine receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. However, his season ended prematurely when he suffered an elbow injury in Week 15 against the Houston Texans, resulting in placement on season-ending injured reserve on December 23, 2022. Despite missing the playoffs, Fortson earned his second Super Bowl championship when the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
Fortson entered the 2023 season as an exclusive rights free agent and was tendered by the Chiefs on March 14, 2023. He signed a one-year league minimum contract. Unfortunately, his season was cut short when he suffered a dislocated shoulder and was placed on injured reserve on August 15, 2023. He watched from the sidelines as the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers, earning his third championship ring.
Miami Dolphins (2024)
On March 15, 2024, Fortson signed with the Miami Dolphins, seeking a fresh start with a new organization. He participated in the team’s offseason program and training camp as they prepared for the 2024 season. The opportunity allowed him to compete for a roster spot and potentially expand his role within the Dolphins’ offense.
However, Fortson’s tenure with Miami was short-lived. He was released on August 25, 2024, during the final roster reduction period. The release came as part of the Dolphins’ final roster decisions as they trimmed their roster to the league-mandated 53-player limit. Following his release, Fortson became a free agent and began exploring opportunities with other teams.
Kansas City Chiefs (Second Stint, 2024)
Fortson returned to familiar territory on September 26, 2024, when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad. The organization that had given him his first NFL opportunity welcomed him back less than a month after his departure from Miami. He was promoted to the active roster on October 4, 2024, rejoining the team for his second stint with the franchise.
The reunion was brief, as Fortson suffered a knee injury that required placement on injured reserve on October 28, 2024. The injury ended his 2024 season and marked the second consecutive year his campaign was cut short due to physical trauma. Despite the setback, Fortson’s return to Kansas City demonstrated the value the organization placed on his contributions and versatility.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a tight end, Fortson brings a unique combination of size, speed, and athletic ability to the field. His background as a wide receiver provides him with refined route-running skills and reliable hands that complement his imposing frame at 6 feet 4 inches and 235 pounds. His ability to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs and his willingness to contribute on special teams have made him a valuable depth player throughout his career. Fortson’s experience in the Chiefs’ system under quarterback Patrick Mahomes has sharpened his timing and situational awareness, allowing him to make crucial contributions when called upon.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fortson’s career has been defined by championship success and resilience. His three Super Bowl victories with the Kansas City Chiefs represent the pinnacle of professional football achievement. From being a practice squad player during Super Bowl LIV to earning a significant role on the active roster by Super Bowl LVII, his trajectory exemplified determination and growth. His first NFL touchdown reception against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 marked a personal milestone that validated years of persistence through the ups and downs of professional football. Despite facing injuries that interrupted his momentum in multiple seasons, Fortson has consistently found his way back to the field and contributed to winning teams.
Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career spanning five seasons, Fortson has established himself as a reliable target when healthy. His statistics reflect a player who has made the most of limited opportunities, demonstrating efficiency and playmaking ability in his touches. His career totals across regular season games show his consistency as a red-zone threat and chain-mover for his teams.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Fortson’s professional career NFL statistics through the 2024 season include 15 receptions for 160 receiving yards and 4 receiving touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2022 when he appeared in 13 games with nine receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. The 2021 season saw him score twice in just six games, demonstrating his efficiency near the end zone. While his numbers may not dominate statistical categories, his impact extends beyond the box score through blocking assignments and special teams contributions.
College Career Performance
At Valdosta State, Fortson made his mark as a reliable receiver for the Blazers’ offense. Over his collegiate career, he recorded 37 receptions for 477 yards and 7 touchdowns. His performance helped anchor an offense that captured the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2018. The experience of playing in a championship environment at the collegiate level prepared him for the rigors of professional football and the high-pressure situations he would eventually face in the NFL playoffs.
Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr.’s family background and lineage is limited. Details about his parents, siblings, or extended family members who may have athletic backgrounds have not been widely reported in available sources. Fortson has maintained a private approach to his family life, focusing public attention on his professional achievements rather than personal background.
Personal Life
Fortson maintains a public presence on social media platforms, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his professional football career. He can be found on Instagram under the handle @jodyfortsonjr. Beyond his football career, information about his personal relationships, marital status, or family life remains private and is not extensively documented in public sources. Fortson’s journey from Buffalo, New York, to becoming a three-time Super Bowl champion exemplifies his dedication to the sport and his ability to overcome adversity throughout his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
As Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. looks ahead to the 2025 season, he faces the challenge of recovering from the knee injury that ended his 2024 campaign on injured reserve. The Kansas City Chiefs will be evaluating their roster depth at the tight end position as they prepare for organized team activities and mandatory minicamps in the spring. Fortson’s familiarity with the organization’s offensive system and his rapport with the coaching staff could work in his favor as he competes for a roster spot during training camp.
The tight end position remains competitive across the league, and Fortson’s ability to contribute on special teams will be crucial to his chances of making an NFL roster in 2025. Teams value players who can provide depth at multiple positions and execute in all three phases of the game. His experience in high-pressure playoff environments and his championship pedigree remain attractive qualities to prospective employers.
Fortson’s career trajectory demonstrates the importance of persistence in professional sports. From undrafted free agent to three-time Super Bowl champion, he has proven that opportunities can arise through dedication and preparation. The 2025 season represents another chapter in his professional journey, with the goal of returning to full health and securing a role on an NFL roster. Whether he returns to Kansas City or joins a new organization, Fortson’s work ethic and adaptability will guide his pursuit of continued success in professional football.