Matt Forté

Matthew Garrett Forté is a former professional American football player, best known for his time as a running back with the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Born on December 10, 1985, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Forté played college football at Tulane University, where he was a standout player before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.

• NFL Career and Achievements:
  • Chicago Bears: Forté had an exceptional career with the Bears, where he played from 2008 to 2015. He was known for his versatility as both a runner and a receiver, which made him one of the most reliable all-purpose backs in the league.
  • Stats: Over his NFL career, Forté accumulated over 9,000 rushing yards and 4,600 receiving yards, making him one of the few running backs to surpass 4,000 receiving yards. He also scored a total of 75 touchdowns (54 rushing, 21 receiving).
  • NFL Records: He set several records, including most receptions in a single season by a running back (102 in 2014), which showcased his ability as a dual-threat player.
  • New York Jets: After leaving the Bears, Forté played for the New York Jets from 2016 to 2017 before retiring.


• Impact on the Game:
  • Versatility: Forté’s ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver redefined the role of a modern NFL running back. His skill set made him invaluable in both the running and passing games.
  • Consistency: Throughout his career, Forté was known for his durability and consistency, often serving as the cornerstone of the Bears’ offense.


• Off the Field:
  • Philanthropy: Forté has been involved in various charitable activities, including his foundation, the Matt Forté Foundation, which focuses on empowering at-risk youth through education and community outreach.
  • Advocacy: After retiring, he has been an advocate for player health and safety, discussing issues such as the long-term impacts of playing football.

Matt Forté is considered one of the best running backs of his era, particularly noted for his dual-threat capabilities. His impact on the game, especially in terms of how running backs are utilized in both the running and passing games, continues to influence the NFL today.