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Why Fortnite is so popular among football players, and why coaches are divided on the game's merits

By Kailey Harmon | Posted 7/13/2018

(Photo via theverge.com)

This time last year, the world was introduced to what has become one of the most legendary video games. Created by Epic Games, Fortnite is a survival game that comes in two forms: Save the World (player vs. engine) and Battle Royale (player vs. player). The game has accumulated over 125 million players, and the game is extremely popular among football players.

Much like lots of other debates involving the ever-changing digital world, people are questioning its interference with physical activity. New Richmond (Ohio) High School football coach Patrick Burke tweeted in response to an article by Stack Sports, calling out Fortnite.

Moeller (Ohio) High School’s soccer coach, Mike Welker, was quick to defend Fortnite against Burke’s comment, noting the benefits of playing video games.

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“Counterpoint ... Fortnite has powerful coaching tools to reinforce: - teamwork - team strategy - communication skills - playing to “win” - team bonding - resourcefulness - time mgmt - stress release - team dynamics of leaders/role players." Welker said.

The biggest concern is that there’s been a decline in kids playing pick-up games. Burke says Welker’s point is fair, but still believes there should still be emphasis on getting kids outside.

"Teambuilding, playing to win, all of those things he talked about. it's true, I presume.  At the same rate, kids have to get outside. They've got to put that controller down." Burke said. “It's just the rave, the game everybody's playing," Burke said. "NFL guys are playing it, college guys, it's a big deal."

Indeed, it is a big deal. So much so that SB Nation polled college recruits at Nike’s The Opening Finals this year on their Fortnite battle strategies.

“We’re gonna go over there and win the battle, get dubs. Me and my squad, we get wins every time we play,” said Georgia receiver commit Jadon Hasselwood, explaining his aggressive strategy to playing Fortnite.

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Some, like Texas A&M cornerback commit Bobby Wolfe, are even more aggressive in their approach.

“I will attack. I wanna attack,” Wolfe said.

The video game’s craze has stretched across the college football roundtable. Ohio State University even tweeted an animation graphic of a person in a Buckeyes jersey parachuting into Ohio Stadium, much like how players begin a round of Fortnite.

NFL players are no exception. Pittsburgh Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster collided worlds with rappers Drake and Travis Scott, and professional gamer Tyler “Ninja” Blevins to play Fortnite. They broadcasted their game on a game-streaming site called Twitch and garnered over 630,000 viewers.

Smith-Schuster jokingly re-enacted how the Fortnite player characters act in this video.

Other players like Cincinnati Bengals center, Billy Price, Kansas City Chiefs receiver Chris Conley, and Indianapolis Colts Nyheim Hines, weighed in on the Fortnite buzz.

"It's a game of strategy where you have to decide when to attack other players," Price said. "I have my days where I'm killing it and days where it's like I'm a first-time player. Organization is huge because in order to win, you have to be patient."

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Conley likes to stream his games for his fans.

"I do stream sometimes," Conley said. "It's good to let my fans know that we're normal people who lead somewhat normal lives.”

Hines says it’s a great way to bond with his teammates.

"Gaming is a great way to relax outside of football, and I really believe games like Fortnite, where we can all get in and play together, help a team stay connected,” Hines said. “"Whether it's the football field... or playing a PC game, I love the competition.”

U.S. National Team alums aren't exempt from the Fortnite craze. Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer, a 2009 National Team member, told nfl.com his offseason routine consists of three pillars.

"(Every day I) get a workout, come home, either go fishing or just come up here and play some Fortnite," Poyer explained in a video from the Bills (watch below). "Because I'm the best."

 

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