Luke Fortner Bio
Luke Fortner is an American professional football center who currently plays for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 15, 1998, in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Sylvania, Ohio, Fortner attended Sylvania Northview High School before playing college football at the University of Kentucky. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Fortner in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 65th overall pick. He has built his NFL career as a reliable interior offensive lineman, earning First-team All-SEC honors during his final college season. Fortner began the 2025 season with the Saints after spending his first three professional seasons with the Jaguars.
Early Life and Background
Luke Fortner grew up in Sylvania, Ohio, where he attended Sylvania Northview High School. During his high school years, Fortner developed into a standout offensive lineman, catching the attention of college programs across the country. His performance at the high school level laid the foundation for his eventual pursuit of collegiate football at a major program. The state of Ohio has produced numerous NFL players, and Fortner added his name to that tradition through his development in the Sylvania school system.
His upbringing in the Cleveland area gave him exposure to football culture at an early age. Fortner’s journey from Sylvania Northview to the University of Kentucky represented a significant step in his football career, moving from high school competition to the Southeastern Conference, one of college football’s most competitive leagues.
Path to the NFL
Fortner redshirted his true freshman season at the University of Kentucky in 2016. He appeared in eight games as a redshirt freshman the following year, continuing to develop his skills along the Wildcats’ offensive line. During his redshirt sophomore season, Fortner played in 11 of Kentucky’s 13 games, further establishing himself as a valuable contributor. His progression through these early college seasons demonstrated his ability to adapt to the speed and physical demands of Division I football.
Fortner became Kentucky’s starting left guard going into his redshirt junior season in 2019. He started 13 games that year, anchoring an offensive line that helped the Wildcats achieve success in the rugged SEC. He continued as a starter during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, appearing in 10 games. Due to the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played that season, Fortner returned to Kentucky for a sixth season of college football.
During his final college season in 2021, Fortner made a significant transition by moving from left guard to center during fall training camp. This position change required him to master new responsibilities, including snapping mechanics and making pre-snap reads. His adaptability paid off, as coaches named him First-team All-Southeastern Conference for his performance. Fortner graduated in May 2022 with three degrees: a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in mechanical engineering, and an MBA, showcasing his dedication both on and off the field.
Luke Fortner Career
Jacksonville Jaguars (2022–2024)
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Luke Fortner in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 65th overall pick. Immediately upon joining the team, the Jaguars named Fortner their starting center as a rookie, a significant responsibility for a first-year player. He took over the pivot position on the offensive line and quickly became a fixture in the lineup. This rapid ascension from draft pick to starter demonstrated the confidence the coaching staff had in his abilities.
Fortner operated as a full-time starter during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, appearing in every game and developing chemistry with his fellow offensive linemen. His consistency snap after snap helped provide stability for the Jaguars’ offense. In his three seasons with Jacksonville, Fortner appeared in 51 games total while recovering one fumble during his tenure. The Jaguars used him primarily as a backup during the 2024 season, but his experience and versatility remained valuable assets for the organization’s depth.
New Orleans Saints (2025–Present)
On August 17, 2025, the New Orleans Saints acquired Fortner in a trade that sent defensive tackle Khalen Saunders to Jacksonville. This move represented a new chapter in Fortner’s NFL career, joining a Saints team with established offensive line needs. The trade valued Fortner’s experience as a former starter and his ability to compete for playing time at the center position. Fortner brought his mechanical engineering background and methodical approach to his position, qualities that aligned with the Saints’ organizational values.
Upon joining the Saints, Fortner competed for the starting center role in training camp and preseason activities. His collegiate transition from guard to center gave him a perspective that could benefit his new team’s offensive line communication. The Saints’ coaching staff valued his track record of starting experience and his ability to handle the mental demands of the center position, including making pre-snap adjustments and directing the offensive line protections.
Playing Style and Strengths
Fortner has established himself as a technically sound center with solid fundamentals. His experience at both guard and center during his college career gave him a comprehensive understanding of the interior offensive line positions. His mechanical engineering background has translated to a cerebral approach to the position, where he can quickly diagnose defensive front variations and communicate adjustments to his teammates. Fortner’s size at 6 feet 4 inches and 307 pounds provides him with the length and power needed to handle NFL defensive tackles.
Notable Career Statistics
Through the 2025 season, Fortner has appeared in 68 NFL games with 44 starts across his career with the Jaguars and Saints. His 44 career starts demonstrate his reliability and the trust coaches have placed in him as a starter at the center position. Fortner’s durability allowed him to log significant playing time early in his career, including two seasons as a full-time starter in Jacksonville. His ability to remain healthy and available has been a consistent element of his professional career.
Luke Fortner Career Wins
Fortner’s career wins can be measured in games started and overall appearances rather than individual statistics, as offensive linemen contribute to team success rather than personal victories. His most significant professional achievement came in 2022 when he earned the starting center job as a rookie, making him one of the few third-round picks to immediately win a starting role at a premium position.
NFL Career Highlights
Fortner’s most notable career moment remains his draft day selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, fulfilling his dream of playing in the NFL. As a rookie starter, he gained invaluable experience against some of the league’s top defensive interior players. His transition to the New Orleans Saints in 2025 represented another milestone, as he joined his second NFL organization and continued his professional journey. His 44 career starts rank among the most for any center drafted in the 2022 class.
College Achievements
At Kentucky, Fortner’s First-team All-SEC selection in 2021 stood as his most prestigious collegiate honor. He started 13 games during his redshirt junior season in 2019 and continued his development through an additional year of eligibility. His ability to transition from left guard to center and immediately earn first-team all-conference recognition highlighted his football intelligence and adaptability. Fortner’s graduation with three degrees, including a master’s in mechanical engineering and an MBA, distinguished him as one of the more academically accomplished players in his draft class.
Luke Fortner Family
Personal Life
On November 15, 2025, Fortner married Trudye Lutton. His marriage occurred during his first season with the New Orleans Saints, marking a significant personal milestone alongside his professional transition. Fortner’s academic achievements in mechanical engineering and business administration reflect interests beyond football, suggesting an analytical mindset that serves him well in his professional career. Details about his family background and parents remain private and are not widely reported in public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Fortner’s first with the New Orleans Saints after the August trade from Jacksonville. Joining a new team mid-season or during training camp required him to quickly learn the Saints’ offensive terminology, snap counts, and linemate preferences. His experience in two different NFL systems gave him a perspective that could accelerate his integration with his new teammates. The Saints valued his positional versatility and his track record of starting experience at center.
Fortner’s role with the Saints depended on how he performed during training camp competitions and preseason evaluations. The team needed stability at the center position after previous seasons of transition along the offensive line. His mechanical engineering background suggested a methodical approach to mastering the playbook and building chemistry with quarterback and fellow linemen. The Saints coaching staff evaluated his ability to communicate protections and make pre-snap adjustments against various defensive looks.
The outlook for Fortner’s 2025 season centered on establishing himself as a reliable option at center for the Saints. His 44 career starts provided a foundation of experience that new teams valued. As he worked to earn playing time in New Orleans, Fortner’s combination of technical skill, football intelligence, and professional approach positioned him well for continued success in the NFL.