Stone Forsythe Biography: Powerful NFL Rise in 2026

Learn about his age, height, family, college journey, NFL teams, career statistics and current Panthers role.

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Introduction

Stone Forsythe is an American professional football player known for his remarkable height, long reach and experience at offensive tackle.

He entered the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021. After later joining the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, he became part of the Carolina Panthers in 2026.

His journey shows how patience, preparation and physical development can help a late-round draft selection build a lasting professional career.

Quick Bio

Field	Details
Full Name	Stone Forsythe
Date of Birth	December 29, 1997
Age	28 years old as of June 2026
Birthplace	Winter Garden, Florida, United States
Nationality	American
Profession	Professional football player
Position	Offensive tackle
Current Team	Carolina Panthers
Jersey Number	73
Height	6 feet 8 inches
Weight	307 pounds
High School	West Orange High School
College	University of Florida
College Major	Sociology
NFL Draft	2021 NFL Draft
Draft Round	Sixth round
Overall Pick	208th
Drafted By	Seattle Seahawks
Father	Ray Forsythe
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn

Who Is Stone Forsythe?

Stone Forsythe is an offensive tackle competing in the National Football League. He is especially recognised for his 6-foot-8 frame and his ability to play on both sides of the offensive line.

An offensive tackle protects the quarterback from fast defensive players approaching from the edge. The position requires strength, balance, awareness and quick footwork.

Forsythe developed these skills during five seasons with the Florida Gators. His college experience prepared him for the pressure and physical demands of professional football.

His career also connects with the wider story of American football development, where coaching, conditioning and technical preparation can shape a player’s long-term future.

Early Life in Florida

He was born on December 29, 1997, in Winter Garden, Florida. He grew up in an environment where football was already an important part of family life.

Forsythe attended West Orange High School. He became a strong offensive-line prospect and received Florida Class 8A All-State recognition during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.

West Orange reached the Class 8A state semifinals during his senior year. That run gave him experience in important games before he entered college football.

He also competed in shot put and discus. Those events helped him use strength, body control and explosive movement outside football.

Father and Athletic Family Influence

His father, Ray Forsythe, also played offensive line. Ray competed at Kent State and UCF before spending time with the Cincinnati Bengals and other professional football organisations.

Stone started playing centre when he was young. Learning that position helped him understand blocking assignments and the movement of an entire offensive line.

His father taught him important fundamentals and remained a major influence on his sporting journey. This kind of athletic family influence can give young competitors an early understanding of professional expectations.

The younger Forsythe eventually moved from centre to tackle as his height and reach became major advantages.

Education and Florida Gators Career

Forsythe joined the University of Florida football programme in 2016. He studied sociology while developing as an offensive lineman.

His first year was used as a redshirt season. This allowed him to train, learn the system and adjust to college-level competition without using a full season of eligibility.

He made his college debut in 2017 and started Florida’s final two games that season at right tackle. His role grew during the following year.

The official Florida Gators player profile records 40 appearances and 28 starts during his college career.

His development followed the pattern seen in many successful stories about the college athlete journey, where steady progress can be more important than immediate fame.

Becoming Florida’s Starting Left Tackle

Forsythe became Florida’s regular left tackle in 2019. He started all 13 games and protected the quarterback’s blind side.

He remained a full-time starter during the shortened 2020 season. Florida developed one of the strongest passing attacks in college football that year.

Quarterback Kyle Trask enjoyed a major season behind the offensive line. Forsythe’s work in pass protection helped create time for the offence to operate.

He started the final 25 games of his college career. That consistency increased his value as an NFL prospect.

Forsythe also earned SEC academic honour recognition in 2019 and 2020, showing commitment to both education and football.

2021 NFL Draft and Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks selected Forsythe in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was the 208th overall selection.

Seattle traded up to acquire the pick used on him. The team viewed his size, reach and pass-protection experience as valuable qualities.

Being chosen late in the draft created an immediate challenge. Late-round players must prove that they can contribute on special teams, provide depth and improve through coaching.

Forsythe approached that challenge with patience. His career reflects the importance of football resilience when injuries, roster competition and changing roles create uncertainty.

Seattle Seahawks Career

Forsythe appeared in 10 games as a rookie in 2021. He mainly served as a reserve while learning the speed and complexity of the NFL.

He played all 17 regular-season games in 2022 and made his first professional start. He also appeared in Seattle’s postseason game.

His role increased during the 2023 season. He played 17 games and recorded eight starts across both tackle positions.

Forsythe made another five starts in 2024 before suffering a hand injury. The injury led to a period on injured reserve, although he returned before the season ended.

Across four seasons with Seattle, he appeared in 53 regular-season games and made 14 starts.

New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders

Forsythe joined the New York Giants as a free agent in March 2025. He competed for an offensive-line position during training camp and the preseason.

The Giants released him during their final roster reduction in August. His next opportunity arrived almost immediately.

The Las Vegas Raiders signed him on August 27, 2025. The move reunited him with Pete Carroll, his former head coach in Seattle.

Forsythe moved into the starting lineup after injuries affected the Raiders’ offensive line. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games and made a career-high 13 starts.

His ability to remain prepared after being released demonstrated the elite sports discipline required to survive in professional competition.

Carolina Panthers and Current Status

The Carolina Panthers added Forsythe in March 2026. His experience gave the team another option at offensive tackle.

He entered his sixth NFL season as one of the tallest players on Carolina’s roster. His official measurements are 6 feet 8 inches and 307 pounds.

The official Carolina Panthers roster lists him as an active tackle wearing jersey number 73.

His experience at both left and right tackle provides useful depth. It also allows coaches to adjust the line when injuries or tactical changes occur.

As of June 2026, he is participating in Carolina’s offseason programme and preparing to compete for a role during training camp.

NFL Career Statistics

Through the end of the 2025 regular season, Forsythe had appeared in 70 NFL games and made 27 starts.

Season	Team	Games	Starts
2021	Seattle Seahawks	10	0
2022	Seattle Seahawks	17	1
2023	Seattle Seahawks	17	8
2024	Seattle Seahawks	9	5
2025	Las Vegas Raiders	17	13
Career Total		70	27

He also made one postseason appearance with Seattle after the 2022 regular season.

Height, Weight and Playing Style

Forsythe’s height is one of his most noticeable physical qualities. At 6 feet 8 inches, he can use his reach to engage defenders before they reach the quarterback.

His arms measure approximately 34½ inches. Long arms are especially useful when blocking quick edge rushers.

Pass protection was considered one of his strongest qualities when he entered the NFL. His experience at left tackle helped him understand how to protect a quarterback’s blind side.

He has also worked to improve his run blocking. This requires an offensive lineman to create movement and open spaces for running backs.

Changing between left and right tackle can be difficult because the footwork and hand positioning are reversed. His ability to work at both positions has increased his usefulness as a squad player.

Career Challenges and Important Turning Points

Falling to the sixth round of the NFL Draft was an early career challenge. However, the lower selection gave Forsythe additional motivation to earn his position.

His hand injury in 2024 interrupted a period in which he had moved into Seattle’s starting lineup. Rehabilitation and roster competition then became important parts of his career.

Being released by the Giants in August 2025 created another uncertain moment. Signing with the Raiders one day later gave him a fresh opportunity.

The Raiders season became a major turning point because he achieved a new career high with 13 starts.

His story shows that young sports leadership and personal responsibility remain valuable even after an athlete reaches the professional level.

Hobbies and Life Away From Football

Forsythe has spoken publicly about enjoying outdoor activities, fishing and grilling.

Grilling is one of his best-documented interests. He has prepared ribs, chicken wings and Thanksgiving turkeys for teammates and family gatherings.

He has also described using his grill several times each week during the offseason.

These interests present a relaxed side of his personality away from the pressure of NFL training and competition.

Public Image and Work Ethic

Forsythe presents himself as a practical and patient professional. His interviews often focus on preparation, improvement and accepting whatever role his team requires.

He has openly discussed areas of his game that needed development. This willingness to recognise weaknesses reflects a direct approach to professional growth.

Coaches have valued his experience, communication and ability to play more than one offensive-line position.

His career has not depended on major individual awards or constant media attention. Instead, it has been built through availability, versatility and readiness.