After 10 productive years as one of the NFLs top running back threats, Matt Forte, a former Chicago Bear and New York Jets ground-pounder is hanging up his gridiron cleats with 9, 796 rushing yards and 554 receptions for 6,472 yards in aerial damage. Forte played 146 games in his sterling career and started in 137 of them, earning two Pro Bowl nods.
Sports Illustrated on Twitter
Matt Forte is hanging up the spikes:
He fought injury during the 2017 season and completed his last year with just 381 rushing yards for the Jets, but his impact on his generation as a running back is duly noted. He’s the 2nd all-time leading rusher in Bears history behind the great Walter Payton and 7th in receiving overall. the Tulane University product ran for 1,000 yards in five of his eight seasons with the Bears and helped Chicago get to the NFC Championship Game in 2010 as a lethal dual threat in the Bears offensive attack.
New York Jets on Twitter
Thank you, @MattForte22. What a run. #WorkHorse https://t.co/IZ0veynIz6
He only played 17 games with the Jets but was a leader in the clubhouse as a man who lived deeply in his faith, lending his veteran expertise to the young gunners.
Forte once said: As a running back, after 10, you take into account: Is it worth it. You need to think of your health, family time, stuff like that.
He rides off into the sunset in good health with a decade of slaying the gridiron and shining among the greatest talent pro football has to offer.
Matt Forte on Joining New Team and Reuniting with Brandon Marshall | NFL Network
New York Jets running back Matt Forte joins the set of “NFL Total Access” to discuss leaving Chicago and his outlook on becoming a New York Jet.
One of the greatest players in a rich Chicago Bears history of legends finishes his career with 75 TDs and 14,468 total yards from scrimmage. Hes going out on top. Hes not being carried out or forced into retirement. Forte has given the NFL all he has to give and the NFL has no more to offer him. As his focus turns to family and life after football, he will surely have many opportunities to come back to Chicago and receive the ceremony and love that has long-awaited his return.
