L.J. Fort’s Journey: From Undrafted Free Agent to a Respected NFL Veteran
As the Pittsburgh Steelers shift gears and focus on their offseason preparations following a strong performance in the 2025 NFL Draft held in Green Bay, the franchise—and the league—has reason to reflect. A familiar name to Steelers fans and seasoned NFL followers alike has officially closed the book on his playing days. Linebacker L.J. Fort, known for his tenacity, versatility, and persistence, has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The Quiet Workhorse Bows Out
L.J. Fort, whose NFL career spanned more than a decade, leaves the game not with a grand sendoff or a Hall of Fame ceremony but with the quiet dignity and respect of a player who gave everything he had to every franchise that gave him a chance. Fort’s career is not defined by flashy headlines or marquee accolades but by the blue-collar grit and work ethic that define so many of the NFL’s unsung heroes.
From humble beginnings at Northern Iowa to stepping onto the NFL stage as an undrafted free agent, Fort’s football journey is a testament to perseverance. Along the way, he would wear multiple jerseys, contribute to every team he joined, and leave a lasting impression on teammates, coaches, and fans.
Early Years and College Career
Born in Waynesville, Missouri, in 1989, Fort moved with his family to Texas, where he developed a passion for football at a young age. He was not a widely recruited high school prospect, but he caught the attention of coaches at the University of Northern Iowa, a school better known for its wrestling pedigree than its football dominance.
At UNI, Fort blossomed into a standout linebacker. He earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year honors in his senior season, recording over 180 tackles. Despite his production, Fort was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, nor did he hear his name called during the 2012 NFL Draft.
But Fort didn’t let that deter him.
Cleveland Browns: The Surprising Debut
Shortly after the draft, Fort signed with the Cleveland Browns. To the surprise of many, he made the 53-man roster out of training camp—a feat in itself for any undrafted rookie. He started Week 1 of the 2012 season and made an immediate impact, intercepting a pass from none other than Michael Vick, then the starting quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Fort would finish his rookie season having contributed in both defensive and special teams roles. However, despite a promising start, he was waived the following year, beginning a long stretch of team-to-team movement that would define much of his early NFL experience.
The NFL Journey: Bouncing Around with Resilience
From 2013 to 2015, Fort became the epitome of a journeyman, suiting up for several NFL teams. He spent time with the:
- Denver Broncos
- Seattle Seahawks
- Cincinnati Bengals
- New England Patriots
These short stints often saw Fort signed to practice squads or released during roster cutdowns. It was a difficult period, one in which many players would have walked away from the game. Fort, however, remained committed to his goal. He continued to train, to learn, and to push forward, knowing that perseverance could someday lead to another shot.
The Breakthrough with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2015–2018)
That opportunity finally came with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015.
Pittsburgh’s history is rich with dominant linebackers—from Jack Lambert to James Harrison—and Fort embraced the culture of toughness and accountability that defines the organization. While he was not a starter for most of his tenure, he became a critical depth piece and special teams contributor.
Across four seasons with the Steelers, Fort played in numerous roles—on defense, on kickoff and punt coverage units, and occasionally stepping in as a starter due to injuries. His most productive years statistically came during this period. He totaled:
- 63 tackles
- 50 solo stops
- 5 tackles for loss
- 7 quarterback hits
- 2 sacks
- 1 fumble recovery
- 4 passes defended
Teammates respected Fort for his professionalism, football IQ, and work ethic. Coaches trusted him to be ready no matter the situation, and fans appreciated his underdog story. He became a reliable veteran presence in the locker room and a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
Moving On: Stints with the Eagles and Ravens
In 2019, Fort signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, hoping to continue his upward trajectory. While his time there was brief, it was impactful. He showed enough on special teams and in limited defensive snaps to earn another opportunity—this time with the Baltimore Ravens.
Fort’s time in Baltimore (2020–2021) solidified his status as a true NFL veteran. He brought leadership, depth, and consistency to a Ravens defense that has long prided itself on hard-hitting, fundamentally sound play.
In Baltimore, Fort:
- Added to his total with more tackles and another sack.
- Played in both base and nickel packages.
- Mentored younger linebackers like Patrick Queen and Malik Harrison.
Fort’s presence was never loud or boastful, but always meaningful. He served as the glue guy—someone who held his unit together through effort and professionalism.
AFC North Tour: One of the Few to Play for All Four Rivals
By the time Fort wrapped up his career, he had accomplished something few players can claim—he played for all four teams in the AFC North:
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
It’s a rare accomplishment, and one that speaks not only to Fort’s longevity but to his adaptability. Each of those franchises carries a distinct identity and style of play, and Fort managed to fit in everywhere he went.
Career Stats and Legacy
Over the course of 91 career games, including 19 starts, L.J. Fort compiled:
- 173 total tackles
- 117 solo tackles
- 12 tackles for loss
- 12 quarterback hits
- 5 sacks
- 1 interception
- 1 forced fumble
- 3 fumble recoveries
These numbers might not land him in Canton, but they represent a hard-earned, well-respected NFL career that countless young players dream of achieving.
The Retirement Decision
Fort last suited up in 2021 with the Baltimore Ravens. He did not play during the 2022–2024 seasons due to lingering injuries and a crowded linebacker market. Despite several workouts and inquiries from teams, Fort began to pivot toward life beyond football.
In early 2025, at the age of 35, Fort made the decision official: he was retiring from the NFL.
His retirement, while not accompanied by fanfare, was celebrated by fans, former teammates, and media alike. On social media, messages poured in from players he’d mentored, coaches who’d trusted him, and fans who’d followed his underdog journey.
Impact Beyond the Field
L.J. Fort’s impact goes beyond tackles and sacks. He is a symbol of perseverance—of what it means to be overlooked, passed over, and still carve out a meaningful career. He showed that character, work ethic, and resilience matter just as much as raw talent.
His story is a blueprint for undrafted players and a reminder to NFL teams of the value of giving those players real chances to succeed. Fort never needed to be the star—he just needed the opportunity to contribute.
Off the field, Fort has begun exploring roles in coaching, mentoring, and broadcasting. He has already participated in youth football clinics and is considering joining an NFL team as a defensive assistant. If he does, it will be no surprise to anyone who watched him play.
Conclusion: A Career Worth Celebrating
L.J. Fort may never have been the headline-grabber or the Pro Bowl regular, but he was everything a coach wants in a player—dependable, disciplined, unselfish, and tough.
He overcame the odds time and again, endured being cut, signed, and re-signed across eight different franchises, and built a solid career through sheer will and determination.
As the Steelers look toward a new era and other teams prepare for the 2025 season, the NFL quietly loses one of its true grinders—one of the players who represented the spirit of the game at its core.
L.J. Fort’s NFL story may now be complete—but his impact on the game and the example he set will endure.
Leave a Reply