HOMETOWN HERO
FOLORUNSO FATUKASI Defensive Line New York Jets
Folorunso Fatukasi, a Defensive Lineman from the University of Connecticut, was drafted by the New York Jets in the 6th-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. During his tenure with the Jets, Fatukasi has established himself as a leader both on and off the field. A native of Far Rockaway, New York, Fatukasi was the first player in Beach Channel history to go directly from graduation to an FBS/Division I-A school. In his 29 career games with the Jets, he has registered 74 tackles, 3.0 sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. In 2019, Fatukasi was selected by the Jets staff that regularly interacts with the players as the 2019 Kyle Clifton “Good Guy” Award Winner. Most recently, in December 2020, Fatukasi partnered with the Jets Academy, an afterschool enrichment program that provides elementary school students with enjoyable learning experiences that enhance their literacy, math skills, creativity, community awareness and self-esteem. Together with his fellow teammates, Fatukasi participated in a virtual, holiday shipping spree with 10 local students from East Hanover, New Jersey. Football is part of the Fatukasi bloodline. Fatukasi has two younger brothers who currently play football at Rutgers University. “It’s a surreal feeling having all three of us playing in New Jersey,’’ Folorunso told the New York Post during the 2020 season. “We didn’t expect this. It’s kind of cool how all three of us are here together.’’
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