NFL Draft Journey: UConn Safety Omar Fortt
Mock drafts have already been created and teams are starting to prepare for this year’s crucial defensive draft, but eyes should be on the former skilled UConn football safety, Omar Fortt.
Fortt got his start in football when he fell in love with the game at 7-years- old in the Springdale league in Stanford, Conn. That love grew more as he followed in his brother and father’s footsteps, who were great players.
Fortt grew apart from football for a few years. He played basketball until he reconnected with the game his junior year of high school. In that time, he grew, physically, into the role and that aided his confidence to compete in the sport. The one thing that really pushed him to get back into football, however, was his brother telling him to get back to doing “what he does best.”
At that time, he started getting scholarship offers from Army, Navy, Rutgers and UConn, among others. Fortt’s decision was pretty clear: to be a Husky.
“Being at home and having easy access to my family is something I was familiar with. The biggest reason was that pride, the pride that I had going to play with a Husky on my chest,” Fortt said.
Fortt trained heavily over the past few months, on top of the experience he’s had throughout his college career, to lead him to the NFL Draft. He said that he grew physically and mentally and is moving a lot better thanks to the support of his trainers. They were also able to connect Fortt and other trainees with a guy in the league to go over different defensive and offensive schemes.
Because this year’s draft has been noted as “defensive-heavy,” Fortt knew that he’d have to bring something different to the table than other players.
Fortt shared that in his 2019 season, he played 229 special-teams snaps. He heard this statistic from his agent and was proud by his accomplishment.
He said, “That just shows the value and versatility that I bring to the table in the NFL. Being able on the defensive side, being able to communicate and express my vocal ability to make sure we’re all playing the same scheme.”
In recent years, more younger players are coming in and making an immediate impact on the game. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner, along with Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys linebacker, both made impacts on their respective teams in their rookie seasons.
“Young rich players are coming in and making an impact.” Fortt said. “If anything, that drives me harder and motivates me more because that shows that I want to be that, and it’s something I’ve dreamed about my whole life.”
Fortt is excited to be one of the young guys to make a difference on a team.
“Bringing a young guy in is gonna bring more energy. It’s a good combination when you have a good variety of young players and wise veterans who know how to win and facilitate a good culture,” Fort said.
The two NFL players that Fortt looks up to are Jamal Adams, Seattle Seahawks safety, as well as Marcus Allen from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not that Fortt would say he copies Adams’ style, but Fortts’ style of play is similar. With Allen, Fortt likes that he is a big, tall safety who “never flinches and always attacks.”
The COVID-19 pandemic provided roadblocks for the UConn safety, but Fortt looked at the silver lining.
“It was a time where we could reflect on how our life on earth is very precious and we get to enjoy each moment with each other a lot more,” Fortt said.
Noting the challenges that a student-athlete can face, Fortt touched on the fact that injuries are hard on an athlete not only physically, but mentally.
He talked about the idea of being a defensive player and having the mindset of bringing value to the team, but also wanting to compete for your spot on the team. One of the most important mindsets an athlete can have is not being told “that you can’t,” but instead that, “you can.”
“Being a student-athlete is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my college career.” Fortt said. “You’re balancing a whole academic schedule. You’re not competing with just one group of people. You’re competing on the field and in the classroom.”
As a student-athlete, Fortt mentioned that it can be overwhelming, and often times, draining. He said that player get up at 5 o’clock in the morning to dominate the athletic portion of his day. Then when noon hits, that’s when the academic portion would begin.
The long days and keeping up with both aspects of what it means to be a “student-athlete” were grueling, but Fortt appreciates the life lessons it taught.
“It's a lesson because nothing in life comes easy. Teaches every athlete that there’s a prize in working hard and staying disciplined and motivated and that only makes us stronger.” Fortt said. “Without pressure, diamonds won’t be made.”
Though this isn’t the Fortt family’s first time having an athlete make it to the pros, they are just as excited and proud. Fortt is especially proud of his brother guiding him and his family supporting him throughout his journey.
“One thing I would leave to the younger generation is find your why, stick to it, and everytime you work, you’re working on your craft,” Fortt said, giving advice to younger players.
“Make sure you’re thinking about it. Enjoy the journey, but don’t rush it, don’t wait for the end goal. The journey is the most sweet part.”
Fortt also provides tips and other information in an NFT that shares his journey to the draft.
