Ready for a redemption tour, key NC State defender cleared for 2025 season
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Linebacker Caden Fordham cleared to return after 2024 ACL injury recovery.
- Fordham credits faith, family and coach Dave Doeren for guiding rehabilitation.
- NC State opens 2025 season Aug. 28 with Fordham set to reclaim leadership role.
It’s been about nine months since N.C. State linebacker Caden Fordham played a football game, and he’s ready to get back on the field.
Fordham, originally from Ponte Vedra, Florida, announced Thursday at the ACC Kickoff that he was recently cleared for contact activities, something he hasn’t done since at least Oct. 8.
“I was more than excited, but at the same time, I was like, ‘Alright, back to work. We gotta go now,’” Fordham said. “I wasn’t able to do spring ball and all that, so I’ve got a little bit of catching up to do. But, I feel like I’m ready going into camp. I feel great and ready to roll.”
The graduate student tore his ACL during practice leading up to the Wolfpack’s game against Syracuse — a one-touchdown loss at home — ending his redshirt junior season.
“Any time you’re taken away from the sport you love so much, it’s difficult,” Fordham said. “Thankfully, I’ve got my brothers. They were with me the whole way. Coach [Dave] Doeren helped me a ton. My dad, he was in my corner the whole time. My faith in the Lord helped me get through it all.”
Losing half his season was disappointing, especially at the beginning, he said. The injury actually took place on his father’s birthday and it wasn’t the call he wanted to make.
Fordham remembers practicing a one-on-one pass rush against former running back Jordan Waters. The linebacker tried to spin inside and had one foot planted. He and Waters made contact and the push over-rotated his knee. Fordham heard a pop.
He immediately felt scared but stood on his leg and thought everything was fine. Then, his knee began swelling.
“It was just a freak accident,” Fordham said, placing no blame on his teammate. “Just two guys competing. It happens. That’s what you sign up for when you play football.”
Fordham’s faith and family got him through the initial shock and recovery process.
“That’s the rock. Faith means so much more to me than any game,” Fordham said. “Having that strong faith really helped me get through those dark times.”
The fourth-year defender credits Doeren for being a spiritual leader, in addition to his coach. They’ve bonded over their shared faith during Fordham’s time on campus.
Doeren spoke with the News & Observer last season about his Christian faith and the positive impact it had on his personal and professional life. He doesn’t force his players or assistants to attend church or follow a certain belief system. If they want advice or to hear his story, however, Doeren is more than happy to share his experience.
Fordham emphasized the significance of playing for a coach who wants to be a mentor and confidant for their players.
“It’s sad to see some kids don’t have that opportunity to talk to their coaches about that,” he said. “Having that kind of outlet, it’s amazing for kids and players, especially with all we go through; mentally, with injuries and things of that nature. Having an outlet is something huge for us men.”
Fordham stepped into the starting middle linebacker role last season, following in the footsteps of now-Pittsburgh Steeler Payton Wilson. He was expected to not only fill the athletic role Wilson left when he was drafted in 2024, but become a leader on the Wolfpack defense.
His expectations and hopes for the 2024 season were stripped quickly; Fordham finished with 48 tackles, two pass breakups and one fumble recovery in six games.
And, more importantly, the team felt his absence. N.C. State ranked in the national Top 25 in scoring defense the prior three seasons. It finished No. 99 last year.
Watching from the sidelines and learning to lead off the field was an “eye-opening experience,” Fordham said. His injury, the most severe of his playing career, forced him to improve his leadership skills. He was no longer able to lead by example and needed to use his voice, to be a teacher in one-on-one situations.
It was a blessing, Fordham said, learning to grow and face adversity, but he’s ready to back in pads. His lengthy recovery included work on the stationary bike, other low-impact exercises, and he began running no-contact drills during practice.
N.C. State opens fall camp next Wednesday, one month and a day before hosting East Carolina on Aug. 28 at Carter-Finley Stadium to kick off the 2025 campaign.
“Mentally, it made me a lot stronger. I know I can push through a lot more than I thought I could,” Fordham said. “As far as the knee goes, it feels great. I feel like I’ve taken a step back as a leader and got to see things from a different perspective. I built a great connection with all the guys that we have gotten in the transfer portal, so I’m really excited for that and ready for this season.”
This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 5:57 PM.
