Matt Forte is moving on to the next chapter. On Wednesday, the Jets running back announced his retirement from football. 
“For the past ten years, I’ve been blessed to play professionally a game that I’ve loved since I was 6 years old,” Forte wrote. “But, after much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to retire from the NFL. Like so many others before me, this game has enhanced my life in numerous ways. My career in the league has been nothing short of a miracle granted by God and put on display for His glory.”
Forte had one more year to go on his contract with the Jets, but it was widely anticipated that the team would release him this offseason in order to save $3MM with just $1MM in dead money. In theory, Forte could have sought employment as an RB2, but the 32-year-old is opting to leave the game altogether.
Forte spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Bears where he built a reputation as a workhorse running back who could also contribute heavily in the passing game. When the Bears informed Forte that he would not be retained, he signed a three-year, $12MM free agent deal with the Jets.
Unfortunately, his second act in New York was not as productive. Forte averaged 3.7 yards per carry in each of his two seasons in green and was lost one-quarter of his final campaign to injury.
Since entering the NFL in 2008, Forte has led the league in total yards from scrimmage in that span with 14,468.
Not expected at all wow
Happy trails, sir.
Great player
Even in his prime I thought he was undervalued by fans and teams. Guy was a legit pass catching back with huge play potential. Enjoy retirement!
Dang man time flies. Bears got this guy following the super bowl loss to the Colts. The opening day game was against the the same Colts, the Bears beat them by two scores on the back of Forte. Set the tone for the rest of his career. Was never the most nimble of backs but he had great vision and was always able to attack the opening effectively and made Kyle Orton and Grossman look good with his passing catching abilities. Very underrated back and I hope he’s hall of fame bound probably won’t because many believe he played just below. Best of luck to you Forte and your future endeavors. You were the one bright spot in an otherwise dismal decade for the Bears.
Probably one of the most underrated backs in league history. Happy Retirement Matt Forte. Can’t wait to see what’s next for you.
HOF. Only one playoff appearance with the Bears. Damn shame. I remember that 50+ yard run in his first game against the Colts on Sunday Night Football in 2008. What a debut!
HOF? Come on
I was referring to the Hall of Fame. Did you think I meant House of Fun?
Surprised he didn’t do the 1 day contract thing with the Bears so he could retire as a Bear. Fans would have really appreciated that. Weird having Forte and Hester retire in the same year, two guys from when the Bears were last watchable.
Even as a Packers I always loved watching Forte play. Extremely underrated running back. Best of luck in retirement.