Joseph Fortson Bio
Joseph Demarius “Jody” Fortson Jr. (born December 7, 1995) is an American professional football tight end in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 235 pounds, he has carved out a career through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019 and went on to capture three Super Bowl championships with the Kansas City Chiefs, establishing himself as a valued contributor on offense and special teams. Currently a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Fortson continues to add depth to one of the league’s most successful franchises.
Early Life and Background
Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. was born on December 7, 1995, in Buffalo, New York. He grew up in the same city, attending South Park High School in Buffalo, where he developed his love for football and first showcased the size and athleticism that would later define his professional career. During his high school years, Fortson began gaining attention for his physical tools, including his height, frame, and ability to make plays in the passing game.
After completing high school, Fortson took the junior college route to continue his football development, enrolling at Erie Community College in 2015. The move allowed him to refine his skills and gain valuable experience at the collegiate level before pursuing opportunities at a four-year program. He later transferred to Valdosta State University, a Division II program in Georgia, where he would finish out his college career and emerge as a legitimate professional prospect.
Path to the NFL
At Erie Community College, Fortson played as part of the Erie Kats program, working to sharpen his route-running, blocking, and overall understanding of the tight end position. His performance there earned him the chance to transfer to Valdosta State, where he spent the 2016 through 2018 seasons as a member of the Valdosta State Blazers. He appeared in 19 games for the Blazers and finished his career at the school with 37 receptions for 477 yards and 7 touchdowns, demonstrating the playmaking ability that NFL scouts look for in pass-catching tight ends.
Fortson’s senior season was shortened by injury, but he still had a memorable final college campaign. The Blazers captured the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2018, giving Fortson his first taste of championship football. Following the season, he earned invitations to two prestigious all-star events, the Tropical Bowl and the College Gridiron Showcase, which provided him with an important platform to impress NFL evaluators despite going undrafted.
Joseph Fortson Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Following the 2019 NFL Draft, Fortson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2019, and made the transition from wide receiver to tight end. He was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019, but quickly signed to the team’s practice squad the following day, beginning his NFL career in a developmental role. He spent the rest of the 2019 season on the practice squad, learning the Chiefs’ offensive system and adjusting to the speed and complexity of the professional game. That season ended on a high note when the Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, awarding Fortson his first Super Bowl ring.
Fortson re-signed with Kansas City on February 5, 2020, and remained with the organization through the next campaign. He was waived on September 5, 2020, before being signed back to the practice squad the next day. Although he did not appear in regular season games during this stretch, his continued presence within the Chiefs’ system helped him build the foundation for a future role on the active roster.
Chiefs Active Roster and Super Bowl Success (2021–2023)
Fortson re-signed with Kansas City on February 9, 2021, and made the team’s active roster at the end of training camp on August 31, 2021. He made an immediate impact, recording his first career NFL reception against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 of the 2021 season and his first career touchdown reception the following week against the Los Angeles Chargers. He appeared in six games that season, finishing with five receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns before injuries and a stint on the Reserve/COVID-19 list cut his year short.
In 2022, Fortson became a more consistent contributor, appearing in 13 games and posting nine receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns before a Week 15 elbow injury ended his season. That year culminated in another championship, as the Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII to give Fortson his second Super Bowl title. Heading into 2023, Fortson was tendered by Kansas City as an exclusive rights free agent, but a dislocated shoulder landed him on injured reserve before the season began. Although he was unable to play, the Chiefs’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII secured his third Super Bowl championship.
Miami Dolphins and Return to Kansas City (2024–Present)
On March 15, 2024, Fortson signed with the Miami Dolphins, seeking a fresh opportunity to expand his role. He was released by the Dolphins on August 25, 2024, as the team finalized its roster. Shortly afterward, on September 26, 2024, Fortson returned to familiar ground, signing with the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad before being promoted to the active roster a week later. A knee injury in late October 2024 placed him on injured reserve, but his return to the Chiefs organization kept him connected to one of the NFL’s most consistent championship contenders.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although “driving style” is more commonly used for motorsports, in football terms Fortson has built his reputation on physicality, reliable hands, and the ability to contribute in both the passing game and as a blocker. His combination of size and athleticism allows him to win contested catches, while his background as a college wide receiver gives him the route-running polish to separate from linebackers and safeties. Coaches have valued his willingness to do the dirty work in the trenches, including inline blocking and special teams duty.
Notable Events and Milestones
Fortson’s career is defined by championship success, with three Super Bowl rings from Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII, and Super Bowl LVIII, all earned with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also helped Valdosta State win the NCAA Division II National Championship in 2018. His first NFL reception came against the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, and his first NFL touchdown followed one week later against the Los Angeles Chargers, marking the arrival of a player who refused to give up on his professional dream.
Joseph Fortson Career Wins
Across both college and the professional level, Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. has been part of four championship teams, a rare accomplishment for an undrafted player. His collection of three Super Bowl rings with the Kansas City Chiefs is the headline of his resume, complemented by a national title at the Division II level with the Valdosta State Blazers.
NFL Championship Highlights
Fortson earned his first Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs following the 2019 season, when Kansas City defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. He added a second championship after the 2022 season, when the Chiefs beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. His third title came after the 2023 season, when the Chiefs again defeated the San Francisco 49ers, this time in Super Bowl LVIII. Although his on-field role varied from year to year, he was a consistent presence in the locker room and on practice fields throughout each championship run.
College Championship Highlights
During his time at Valdosta State, Fortson played a role in the Blazers’ 2018 NCAA Division II National Championship. The title was a fitting conclusion to his college career, as he posted 37 receptions for 477 yards and 7 touchdowns in 19 games for the program. The championship run, paired with invitations to the Tropical Bowl and the College Gridiron Showcase, helped pave his path to an NFL opportunity.
Joseph Fortson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. was raised in Buffalo, New York, and comes from a family with deep roots in the same community. While specific details about his parents and siblings are not widely documented in public sources, his Buffalo upbringing shaped his blue-collar approach to football and his appreciation for earning opportunity through effort. The “Jr.” suffix in his name reflects a family tradition that connects him to his father, Joseph Fortson Sr.
Personal Life
Fortson has generally kept his personal life out of the public eye, focusing public attention on his football career. He has not publicly confirmed details about a spouse or children, and he continues to build his professional brand through his on-field work and community presence in the cities where he has played. His social media presence offers fans occasional glimpses into his training, recovery, and life away from the field.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into 2025, Joseph Demarius Fortson Jr. remains a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, looking to put an injury-marred 2024 campaign behind him. After a knee injury placed him on injured reserve in late October 2024, his focus has been on recovery and earning back a consistent role within one of the NFL’s top offenses. With the Chiefs continuing to compete at a championship level, Fortson has the opportunity to contribute as a pass-catching tight end and as a veteran presence in the locker room.
His career regular-season totals include 15 receptions for 160 yards and 4 receiving touchdowns, numbers he will look to expand as he re-establishes himself in Kansas City’s offensive scheme. A healthy 2025 could allow him to carve out a larger role in two-tight-end sets and on special teams, areas where he has historically provided value. With the Chiefs’ track record of developing tight ends and Fortson’s own track record of perseverance, the 2025 season represents another chance for the former undrafted free agent to prove he belongs in the league.