Indianapolis Colts Add More Competition In Long Snapper Joe Fortunato

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard continue to create competition at all positions – including long snapper. The Colts signed Joe Fortunato to compete with Matt Overton for long snapping duties in 2017.

Joe Fortunato, a former walk-on at Delaware, tried out for the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday and was given a contract before leaving Colts headquarters. He will try to unseat five-year veteran Matt Overton for long snapping duties.

Overton has handled the position very well, working with Colt greats Adam Vinatieri and Pat McAfee. The three formed quite a bond over the last 5 seasons, although the bond was broken when McAfee retired last month.

Fortunato is a big man at 6’5″ and more than 240 pounds. Compare this to Overton’s size at 6’1″and 243 pounds. Overton clearly has experience over Fortunato, but Fortunato is about eight years younger than Overton.

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Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Andy Staples wrote an article last year about long snappers inthe NFL draft. In his article, he noted that Coaches like their snappers to be between 6′ 0″ and 6′ 4″ in height and between 240 and 260 pounds.

They are looking for big guys than can also get downfield and block. Fortunato walked on as a tight end at Delaware which likely helped in his blocking development. He was also a long snapper for his high school team (in addition to playing tight end and quarterback) that won the state championship in 2008.

Fortunato was a three-sport letterman in high school, playing baseball and basketball in addition to football.

Getting an NFL contract is a dream come true for Joe Fortunato, even if he does not make the final 53-man roster:

"“It’s a dream come true. It’s been a dream since I was a little kid in first grade playing for the Panthers in Linwood [New Jersey]. To actually get there is surreal. I always believed in myself and knew I could do it. Now that I’ve been there and signed the contract, it’s mind-blowing. I can’t comprehend it.”"

While Overton’s salary doesn’t break the bank at $900,000 this season and $1 million next season — none of which is guaranteed — the Colts could save close to $435,000 this season and $460,000 next season if they decided to make a change.

Next: Mel Kiper Mock Draft 3.0 Has Colts Selecting Alabama’s Reuben Foster

The Indianapolis Colts and Chris Ballard are leaving no stone unturned in their desire to build competition and create a better team in 2017. Very few roster spots are safe.

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