Fordham Returns from Injury to Lead Wolfpack, Earns Honor of No. 1 Jersey

The Wolfpack didn’t have the season everyone had hoped for last year.

Unfortunately, a contributing factor to the struggles was losing Caden Fordham after the Wake Forest game to a season ending injury. Fordham was on the way to what appeared to be a really solid season.

He was leading the team in tackles before he got hurt, and the talented linebacker is expected to regain form while leading the Pack back to a winning season. 

Fordham is such a good leader, he’s been picked to wear the No. 1 jersey this season.

“Showing up every day, being consistent, being the same guy. Giving everything you have, every snap. Making sure you lead at all times, whether it’s in the Murph or away. Just coming in and having that mentality of know you’re the guy on the team and you’re always going to lead no matter what,” is how Fordham described what it takes to wear the number 1. 

What does it mean to Fordham to be selected as the guy to wear the jersey? “It means a lot; guys before me have worn it like Isaiah Moore, and I’ve seen the way he came out and competed every day. The way he carried himself and what this number means to this university and our team. So, it’s just a blessing and thankful to all my teammates and Coach Doeren for giving me the opportunity to wear it. I’m going to do everything in my power to uphold the standards of what this number means.”

Fordham is a leader both on and off the field. He actually runs a charity called Caden’s Closet. Fordham feels “like it’s my duty to give back since I’ve been blessed so much. So, it’s been awesome just to see those kids and be able to help them because sometimes they’re not as fortunate, but they want to be able to play sports just like us in some situations. So, it’s been awesome to give back, and it makes me happy.” Caden’s Closet collects and shares sports equipment with those who might not be able to afford it.

Continuing the discussion about leadership, Fordham talks about his journey to being a leader. “The 2023 year when I first really got to step on the field and start really getting reps in the games. I had, P-Wiz (Peyton Wilson) was still here with me. So, I kind of got to learn a lot from him, and he kind of helped me along the way as that younger leader, kind of showing me the ways of how to do things and stuff.” Fordham went on to say, “then the following year, 2024, I saw myself as a leader, too, on the defense. Unfortunately, I got hurt. But early in that year, I just kind of felt that role coming along. And then when Davin was gone, we had to step up and take control now.”

What can we expect from the defense being led by Caden: “We like to have that mentality that nobody can beat us. We like to go out there and play physical football every week, and we look to continue to do that.” 

Being just a few days away from the first game, how does Fordham think the team is shaping up? “I love where we’re at, but, I mean like I like to talk about, I mean, we’re focused on today. We’re not looking ahead. How great can we be today? So, that’s our main focus every day. We go out to practice, you know. How good can we be today?”

I imagine a lot of fans will be asking the same question next Thursday. How good can we be today? Hopefully, the answer will be at least a few points better than ECU.