Darrick Forrest Jr. Bio
Darrick Forrest Jr. is an American professional football safety known for his versatility and playmaking ability in the secondary. He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and was drafted by the Washington Football Team in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft. After several seasons in the NFL, Forrest has established himself as a capable defensive back known for his tackling and ball-hawking skills.
Standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing approximately 205 pounds, Forrest has carved out a role in the league as a reliable safety. He has spent time with multiple organizations since entering the NFL and continues to pursue opportunities to contribute on defense and in special teams.
Early Life and Background
Darrick Forrest Jr. was born on May 22, 1999, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. He grew up in the Columbus area and attended Walnut Ridge High School, where he developed into a notable football prospect. His early exposure to the sport in Ohio, a state with a rich football tradition, helped shape his understanding of the game and prepared him for the next level of competition.
During his time at Walnut Ridge High School, Forrest earned recognition as a 3-star recruit by major scouting services. His performance on the field drew interest from several college programs across the Midwest. The competitive environment of Ohio high school football allowed him to sharpen his skills as a defensive back and gain valuable experience against top-level amateur competition.
Path to American Football
After high school, Forrest committed to play college football at the University of Cincinnati over scholarship offers from Ball State, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), Ohio, Toledo, and Youngstown State. The decision to join the Cincinnati Bearcats gave him the opportunity to compete in a strong conference and develop under a respected coaching staff.
At Cincinnati, Forrest steadily progressed through the program and earned First-team All-AAC honors in 2019. His standout college season showcased his ability as a safety and helped raise his profile among NFL scouts. By the time he declared for the draft, Forrest had positioned himself as a promising prospect with the tools to contribute at the professional level.
Darrick Forrest Jr. Career
Early Career (2021)
Forrest was selected by the Washington Football Team in the fifth round, 163rd overall, of the 2021 NFL draft. Shortly after the draft, he signed his four-year rookie contract on May 13, 2021. His initial months with the organization, however, were interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2021, before the regular season opener.
Forrest returned to the active roster on November 2, 2021, and began his professional career in earnest. Though his rookie season was limited, he used the experience to learn the speed and complexity of the NFL game. The lessons from his first year laid the foundation for a more significant role in the seasons that followed.
Washington Breakthrough (2022)
The 2022 season marked Forrest’s emergence as a playmaker in Washington’s secondary. In Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he earned his first career start and delivered a memorable performance with five tackles, two deflected passes, a forced fumble, and a game-sealing interception late in the fourth quarter. That interception was the first of his NFL career and signaled his arrival as a ball-hawking safety.
Later in the season, Forrest recorded an interception and a fumble recovery in Washington’s 32-21 upset victory over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. Before Week 11, he was named the starting free safety, taking over the role from Bobby McCain. Forrest capped his strong campaign with a third career interception in a 23-10 victory over the Houston Texans. He finished 2022 with 88 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery across 17 games, starting 11 of them.
That season established Forrest as a key contributor in Washington’s defense and demonstrated his ability to impact games in multiple ways. His combination of tackling, coverage skills, and instincts near the line of scrimmage made him a versatile piece of the secondary.
Commanders Era (2023-2024)
In 2023, Forrest’s season was disrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on October 10 due to a shoulder injury. He finished the year with 29 tackles across five games. During this period, he also lost his starting role under the new defensive scheme implemented by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
In the 2024 regular season, Forrest appeared in ten games with one start and recorded 13 tackles. Although his role diminished, he remained part of the roster and continued to contribute when called upon. His time in Washington showcased his durability and willingness to embrace changing responsibilities within the defense.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a safety, Forrest has demonstrated strength in pass coverage and run support, with a particular knack for forcing turnovers. His instincts near the line of scrimmage allow him to read quarterbacks and break on the ball, as shown by his four-interception 2022 season. He also brings reliable tackling and special teams value, making him a versatile piece of any defensive scheme.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Forrest’s most memorable career moments came in his first career start in Week 1 of the 2022 season, when he sealed a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a late interception. He also recorded a fumble recovery and an interception in a statement win against the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. Reaching the milestone of four interceptions in a single season underscored his ability to impact games at the highest level.
Darrick Forrest Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Forrest grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where his family provided the support system that helped him pursue a career in professional football. His path from Walnut Ridge High School to the NFL reflects the values and encouragement he received during his formative years in Ohio.
Personal Life
Darrick Forrest Jr. maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his professional journey. He has focused much of his public attention on his career in football and his continued pursuit of opportunities in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a year of transition for Darrick Forrest Jr. after his time with the Washington Commanders came to an end. On March 13, 2025, he signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, signaling a fresh opportunity with a new organization. However, his time in Buffalo was brief, as he was released on August 26 as part of final roster cuts ahead of the regular season.
Shortly after, on September 9, 2025, Forrest was signed to the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts, where he had a short stint before being released on September 13. He then joined the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 29, 2025, providing him another chance to compete and contribute at the professional level. He was released by Pittsburgh on November 12.
Despite the rapid movement between teams in 2025, Forrest’s persistence in seeking roster opportunities reflects his commitment to extending his NFL career. His experience and defensive instincts continue to make him a valuable option for teams in need of depth in the secondary.