Liam Fornadel

Liam Paul Fornadel is an American professional football offensive guard for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at James Madison and has also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). Fornadel was signed to the NFL after an undrafted status in the 2022 NFL draft and has made notable achievements during his short career, including being part of a UFL Championship win and earning a place on the All-XFL team.
Full Name :
Liam Paul Fornadel
Date of Birth :
17 June 1999
Place of Birth :
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality :
United States
Height (CM) :
193
Weight (KG) :
142
Education :
Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, New Jersey) (High School), James Madison (College)
Career Started :
2022
Notable Achievements :
UFL champion (2025), All- XFL Team (2023)
Current Team :
Previous Team :
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (From 2022, To 2022), DC Defenders (From 2023, To 2024), New England Patriots (From 2024, To 2024), DC Defenders (From 2025), New York Jets (From 2025)
Drafted Year :
2022
Drafted By :
Undrafted

Liam Paul Fornadel Bio

Liam Paul Fornadel is an American professional football offensive guard for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at James Madison and has also played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the DC Defenders of the United Football League (UFL). Fornadel was signed to the NFL after an undrafted status in the 2022 NFL draft and has made notable achievements during his short career, including being part of a UFL Championship win and earning a place on the All-XFL team.

Early Life and Background

Liam Paul Fornadel was born on June 17, 1999, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. He attended Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey, for his high school education. During his time at Don Bosco Prep, Fornadel developed his football skills, preparing him for his collegiate career. Fornadel played college football at James Madison from 2017 to 2021, where he played in 54 games, starting in 41.

Path to American Football

Fornadel’s journey to professional football began at James Madison University, where he established himself as a reliable offensive lineman. His consistent performance in college football prepared him for the professional ranks despite not being drafted in the 2022 NFL draft. His undrafted status did not deter him, as he quickly secured opportunities with professional teams, showcasing his adaptability and determination to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.

Liam Paul Fornadel Career

Early Career (2022)

After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft, Fornadel was signed to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL) practice squad on September 20, 2022. His time with the Blue Bombers was brief, as he was released on October 17, 2022. Despite the short tenure, this experience provided Fornadel with valuable professional football exposure and opportunities to refine his skills against international competition.

DC Defenders Breakthrough (2023-2024)

On November 17, 2022, Fornadel was selected by the DC Defenders of the XFL. In 2023, Fornadel started in all 12 games, making the All-XFL team, which recognized him as one of the top performers at his position. His consistent performance earned him a return to the team for the 2024 season, where he started in all 10 games. His contract with the team was terminated on June 17, 2024, to sign with an NFL team.

New York Jets Era (2025-Present)

On July 29, 2025, Fornadel signed with the New York Jets. He was waived on August 24, and re-signed to the practice squad on September 8. Fornadel was released on September 23 and re-signed to the practice squad one week later. He signed a reserve/future contract with New York on January 5, 2026. This series of moves demonstrates the Jets’ interest in developing Fornadel as part of their offensive line depth.

Playing Style and Strengths

As an offensive guard standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) and weighing 312 lb (142 kg), Fornadel possesses the physical attributes required for professional football. His playing style emphasizes consistency and reliability, as evidenced by his starting role in numerous games across different leagues. Fornadel has demonstrated adaptability, successfully transitioning between the CFL, UFL, and NFL.

Notable Events and Milestones

Fornadel’s career highlights include being part of the UFL championship win with the DC Defenders in 2025 and earning All-XFL team honors in 2023. These achievements underscore his ability to perform at a high level despite his undrafted status and the challenges of moving between different professional football leagues.

Liam Paul Fornadel Career Wins

Liam Paul Fornadel has established himself as a reliable offensive lineman across multiple professional football leagues. His career includes championships and individual accolades that highlight his consistent performance and value to his teams.

UFL Highlights

With the DC Defenders, Fornadel was part of the team’s championship victory in 2025. His performance throughout the season contributed significantly to the team’s success. Earlier in 2023, he earned All-XFL team recognition after starting in all 12 games, demonstrating his ability to maintain high performance throughout a full season.

Other Wins & Performances

In addition to his UFL achievements, Fornadel has consistently performed as a starter across multiple leagues. His ability to adapt to different systems and maintain high-level play has been a constant throughout his professional career, despite not being drafted into the NFL.

Series Wins Top Tens Poles
UFL 1 (Championship) 22 (Games Started) 0

Liam Paul Fornadel Family

Family Background and Racing Lineage

Information about Liam Paul Fornadel’s family background and potential athletic lineage is not publicly available in the verified sources.

Personal Life

Liam Paul Fornadel is a private individual, and details about his personal life beyond his professional football career are not publicly disclosed.

2025 Season Performance

During the 2025 season, Liam Paul Fornadel continued his career with the DC Defenders, where he contributed to the team’s championship victory. His performance was a key factor in the team’s success, as he maintained his role as a reliable offensive lineman throughout the season. Following the UFL championship, Fornadel signed with the New York Jets, where he began his NFL journey through the practice squad. His move to the Jets represents a significant step in his professional career, as he transitions from the UFL to the NFL. The Jets’ decision to re-sign him to a reserve/future contract indicates confidence in his potential to develop into a valuable member of their offensive line.