Every year or two, it seems the Kansas City Chiefs have a way of unearthing an unexpected contributor, a rookie free agent who doesn’t just surprise to hang on and make the team but who actually steps forward into a solid contributor role. Jody Fortson is hoping to be the next.
The Chiefs first signed Fortson as a longshot prospect out of Valdosta State back in 2019. The 6’6″ target was always a big wide receiver, and the Chiefs decided his best professional angle would be the switch positions to tight end and grow further into the demands of that position.
For his first two seasons in the NFL, Fortson lingered on the team’s practice squad. The Chiefs’ decision to keep him around made it clear that they liked his long-term potential but lingering on the P.S. also clarified that he needed more time to develop. Then a year ago, he put it all together for a dazzling preseason showcase that made it impossible for the Chiefs to release him.
Tight end Jody Fortson spoke glowingly of his support team as he returns from a serious injury for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.
Fortson forced his way onto the active roster last season and rewarded the Chiefs’ faith in him with a couple of impressive touchdown catches early in the season that cemented him as a dynamic new weapon in the end zone. His God-given length and strong hands made him an ideal target in a short field, especially with Travis Kelce also in play,
Unfortunately, the momentum only lasted a few games. In his sixth contest of the 2021 season, Fortson went down with an Achilles tear and was lost for the rest of the year. The severity of the injury also demanded a long rehab stint, and it was unclear whether Fortson would be able to return to form or not. Given the way he’s looked so far in team activities in the spring and summer, Fortson seems like he’s cleared another hurdle in an early career full of them.
Speaking to reporters from training camp, Fortson detailed his offseason mindset and the importance of community.
“First of all, I just kept my faith high,” said Fortson. “I’ve got a strong support system, especially with my family and my team around me. So I just attacked every day as if I was going to play on Sunday. I was in the rehab room just working, continuing to work as if I was going to suit up on that Sunday. They never really allowed me to get down on myself, so I was never actually down.”
Fortson specifically pointed out Chiefs athletic trainer Tiffany Morton, who was instrumental in getting the most out of Fortson mentally and physically.
“Tiff was very hands-on with my rehab. I owe a lot to God but I owe a lot to her. She was really hands-on and didn’t really let me give up. There were some days I said, ‘Tiff, I don’t want to do this.’ But she stayed on me and made sure I fought through it. So shout out to Tiff.”
As he shifted from wide receiver in his college days to tight end at the NFL level, Fortson said he’s slowly learned the craft of the latter with the latest lesson being patience.
“Patience,” said Fortson to reporters when asked what he’s focused on this offseason. “Not rushing my routes so quickly, allowing everything… seeing where I fit in the puzzle, where I fit in the grand scheme of things. Not trying to do too much, trying to do my job to the best of my ability.”