Quick Facts
Biography
L. J. Fort (born January 3, 1990) is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He played college football at Northern Iowa.
College career
Fort was a three-year starter at Northern Iowa as an outside linebacker. He was a second-team Missouri Valley Football Conference selection in 2010. The following season, Fort was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Year and was selected as the 2011 FCS National Defensive Player of the Year.
Professional career
Cleveland Browns
Fort signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent and made the 53-man roster for the 2012 regular season opener.
Fort started for the Browns in Week 1 due to injuries to Chris Gocong, James-Michael Johnson, and Emmanuel Acho. He had his first career interception against the Philadelphia Eagles in that game, picking off Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick.
Fort played in all 16 regular season games for the Browns, finishing his rookie season with 20 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 interception.
Denver Broncos
Fort signed a futures contract with the Denver Broncos on December 31, 2013. He was released by the Broncos on August 29, 2014.
Seattle Seahawks
On October 22, 2014, Fort was signed to the Seattle Seahawks practice squad. Fort signed with the team as a fullback. He was activated for one regular season game in 2014.
Cincinnati Bengals
On November 26, 2014, Fort was signed to the Bengals' practice squad. He was released on April 29, 2015.
New England Patriots
On August 4, 2015, Fort signed with the New England Patriots. Fort was released on August 18, 2015.
Pittsburgh Steelers
On August 19, 2015, Fort signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After spending nearly the entire regular season(15 weeks) on the Steelers' practice squad, Fort was promoted to the 53-man roster on December 28 to replace injured fullback Roosevelt Nix for the team’s final game.
Fort was released by the Steelers on November 12, 2016 but was re-signed three days later.