Matt Forte's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Forte, a running back from Tulane University, quickly established himself as a reliable and consistent player in the league. His rookie season was marked by impressive performances, as he rushed for 1,238 yards and scored eight touchdowns. Forte's ability to catch passes out of the backfield added another dimension to his game, making him a valuable asset to the Bears' offense.
Throughout his career with the Bears, Forte was known for his durability and versatility on the field. He consistently ranked among the top running backs in the league, both in rushing and receiving yards. In 2013, he achieved a career-high of 1,339 rushing yards, along with nine rushing touchdowns. His performance that year earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl, highlighting his status as one of the league's top running backs.
Forte's skill set was not limited to running the ball. He was also an adept receiver, often serving as a safety valve for his quarterbacks. Over his career, he amassed over 4,000 receiving yards, showcasing his ability to contribute to the passing game. This dual-threat capability made him a challenging matchup for opposing defenses and a crucial part of the Bears' offensive strategy.
In 2015, Forte's tenure with the Bears came to an end, and he signed with the New York Jets. Despite joining a new team, he continued to perform at a high level. In his first season with the Jets, he rushed for over 800 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Forte's experience and leadership were valuable to the Jets, as he provided stability and mentorship to younger players on the roster.
Forte's career was characterized by his consistent production and ability to adapt to different offensive schemes. Over his ten-year career, he accumulated over 9,000 rushing yards and 54 rushing touchdowns. His receiving stats were equally impressive, with over 4,600 receiving yards and 21 receiving touchdowns. These numbers reflect his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
In 2018, Forte announced his retirement from professional football.
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