19-05-2025
Former Steelers LB Announces Retirement
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 09: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker L.J. Fort (54) celebrates after a special teams play during the third quarter of the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on September 9, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. Pittsburgh and Cleveland tied 21-21. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)
Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker L.J. Fort revealed on Instagram that he's officially retiring after a 10-year career in the NFL. Fort has been out of football the last three seasons, last playing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.
'I didn't get picked up until Thursday after the draft, preparing to start another career. All I needed was an opportunity and I'm forever thankful to the ones who gave me just that! Never could have imagined 10 years in the game!' Fort wrote on Instagram.
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'Thank you to all my family, friends, teammates, agent, trainers, staff, and organizations who helped me turn my childhood dream into a reality! It doesn't matter how you start, ignore the circumstances and get to work!'
Several former Steelers commented on Fort's post. Current Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen also replied, the two crossed paths in Baltimore.
Fort played for eight different teams over his career, but his longest tenure was a four-year stint with Pittsburgh from 2015 to 2018. Fort, 31, posted 63 total tackles, five tackles-for-loss, two tackles and a scoop-and-score while with the Steelers.
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Fort initially signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Northern Iowa in 2012.
Fort finished his career with 173 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, five sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He played in 91 career games and started 19.
In 2024, Fort was named the linebackers coach at Melissa High School in Texas.
— from the Washington Football Team vs. Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. October 4, 2020 (All-Pro Reels Photography)
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers LB Announces Retirement
