(Translated by https://www.hiragana.jp/)
Matt Forte - Wikipedia

Matthew Garrett Forte (born December 10, 1985) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Tulane Green Wave and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. Forte established himself as a dual-threat running back capable of earning yards as a rusher and receiver. He is one of only three players to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 100 receptions in a single season.[1] Forte spent eight seasons with the Bears before playing for the New York Jets for two seasons.[2]

Matt Forte
refer to caption
Forte with the Chicago Bears in 2008
No. 22
Position:Running back
Personal information
Born: (1985-12-10) December 10, 1985 (age 38)
Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:218 lb (99 kg)
Career information
High school:Slidell (Slidell, Louisiana)
College:Tulane (2004–2007)
NFL draft:2008 / round: 2 / pick: 44
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Rushing yards:9,796
Rushing average:4.2
Rushing touchdowns:54
Receptions:554
Receiving yards:4,672
Receiving touchdowns:21
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

edit

Forte grew up in Slidell, Louisiana, and graduated from Slidell High School in 2004, where he was a letterman in football and track & field.[3] As a junior, he rushed for 1,057 rushing yards with eight rushing touchdowns, and caught 30 passes for 365 yards and three receiving touchdowns. As a senior, he was named the St. Tammany Parish Player of the Year, District 5-5A Offensive MVP and received All-Metro selection accolades, as he gained 1,375 yards with 23 touchdowns and caught 18 passes for 253 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He totaled 2,432 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns in his career, while also catching 48 passes for 618 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns.[4]

As a standout sprinter, Forte competed in track and had some of the better 100m and 200m times in the New Orleans area in 2003, with personal-bests of 10.68 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.10 seconds in the 200 meters.[5]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Matt Forte
Running back
Slidell, Louisiana Slidell High School 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 4.5 Dec 15, 2003 
Recruiting star ratings: Rivals:    247SportsN/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2004 Tulane Football Commitment List". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  • "2004 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved August 3, 2012.

College career

edit

Forte played NCAA Division I college football at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, a member of Conference USA.[6] He played from 2004 to 2006 under head coach Chris Scelfo and in 2007 under Bob Toledo.[7]

2004 season

edit

As a freshman, Forte split a bulk of the carries with junior Jovon Jackson.[8] On October 23, against UAB, he scored his first collegiate touchdown on a six-yard rush in the 59–55 victory.[9] His major breakout game came against Army on November 13. In the 45–31 victory, he totaled 34 carries for 216 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with three receptions for 67 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.[10] He had 624 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 20 receptions for 180 yards and two receiving touchdowns during Tulane's 5–6 season.[11][12]

2005 season

edit

As a sophomore, Forte continued to share the backfield with Jovon Jackson. However, Forte got a majority of the carries for the season.[13] He crossed the 100-yard rushing mark once in 2005, against Southern Miss on November 26.[14] Overall, he had 169 carries for 655 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 23 receptions for 163 yards and one receiving touchdown during Tulane's tumultuous 2–9 season, which saw the Green Wave forced to play all of their games on the road and at neutral sites due to Hurricane Katrina.[15][16][17]

2006 season

edit

Forte started his junior season in the lead role in the backfield. He got a majority of the carries, sharing the bulk of the total rushing attack with Ray Boudreaux and Ade Tuyo after going down to injury in early November.[18] In the Green Wave's second game of the season, he had 29 carries for 170 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in a victory over Mississippi State.[19] Starting on October 7 against Rice, Forte totaled four consecutive games going over the 100-rushing yard mark. He scored six total touchdowns in the span, which had victories over Rice and Army but losses to UTEP and Auburn.[20][21][22][23] His junior year was cut short when he suffered an injury in the game against Marshall on November 4.[24] He finished his junior season with 859 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns to go along with 28 receptions for 360 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns during Tulane's 4–8 season.[25][26]

2007 season

edit
 
Forte at the Superdome in 2007

Forte returned from his injury to have a standout season under new head coach Bob Toledo.[27] He got a wide majority of the Green Wave offense's total carries in their 4–8 season.[28][29] Forte set several Tulane school records, including rushing for 2,127 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.[30] He had five games with at least 200 rushing yards games, two games with at least 300 rushing yards games, and three games with at least four rushing touchdowns during the 2007 season.[31][32][33][34][35][36] He finished second in the NCAA in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns in 2007, trailing only Kevin Smith of Central Florida.[37] Forte was the only BCS non-AQ conference athlete to be a semifinalist for both the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards and to make the Walter Camp Player of the Year List, and one of just three players nationally to be named to all three lists.[38][39]

Forte garnered the most attention at the 2008 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, and walked away with the Overall MVP award.[40] He led with 59 yards rushing on eight carries; four receptions for 38 yards and a tackle on special teams.

College statistics

edit
Year School Conf Class Pos G Rushing Receiving
Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds Avg TD
2004 Tulane CUSA FR RB 11 140 624 4.5 4 20 180 9.0 2
2005 Tulane CUSA SO RB 11 169 655 3.9 4 23 163 7.1 1
2006 Tulane CUSA JR RB 9 163 859 5.3 8 28 360 12.9 2
2007 Tulane CUSA SR RB 12 361 2,127 5.9 23 32 282 8.8 0
Career Tulane 833 4,265 5.1 39 103 985 9.6 5

Awards and honors

edit

Professional career

edit
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press Wonderlic
6 ft 1+38 in
(1.86 m)
217 lb
(98 kg)
4.46 s 1.49 s 2.55 s 4.23 s 6.84 s 33 in
(0.84 m)
9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)
23 reps 18
All values from the 2008 NFL Combine[42]

Chicago Bears

edit

2008 season

edit

The Chicago Bears selected Forte in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft as the 44th overall selection, the sixth running back taken that year.[43] He was originally drafted to compete with Cedric Benson for the team's starting running back position. However, Benson was released from the Bears after legal complications, and Forte out-competed Adrian Peterson and second-year running back Garrett Wolfe and started all 16 games.[44] In the regular season debut on September 7, 2008, against the Indianapolis Colts, he carried the ball 23 times for 123 yards (setting a franchise record for most debut rushing yards) and scored his first career touchdown on a 50-yard run en route to a 29–13 victory over the Colts.[45]

 
Forte takes a handoff from Kyle Orton while playing against the Carolina Panthers in September 2008

He had two more 100+ yard rushing games on the season, once against the Detroit Lions and the other against the St. Louis Rams.[46][47] In Week 13, against the Minnesota Vikings, he became the first Bears rookie to rush for over 1,000 yards since Anthony Thomas in 2001.[48] At the time, he finished with franchise rookie records of 316 carries for 1,238 rushing yards. His 1,715 yards from scrimmage was third in the NFL, and broke Hall of Famer Gale Sayers's team record of 1,374 in 1965.[49][50] Forte led all rookie running backs in total yards and receptions,[51] those 61 receptions also breaking Mike Ditka's 1961 franchise rookie record.[52] He received one vote for the National Football League Rookie of the Year Award, finishing behind Ryan Clady, Chris Johnson, and Matt Ryan.[53]

2009 season

edit
 
Forte attempts to escape from San Francisco 49ers safety Michael Lewis in a 2009 meeting

Forte recorded 150 total rushing yards over the first three games of the season before his first big game in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions, during which he rushed 12 times for 121 yards and scored his first touchdown.[54] He averaged 50.6 yards per game over the next 11 games with three rushing touchdowns, before a 101-yard finale in the second divisional game against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.[55] He finished the 2009 season with 258 carries for 929 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 57 receptions for 471 receiving yards.[56][57] Despite the decrease in production, Forte dominated the carries in the Bears' backfield for the 2009 season, recording over 200 more attempts than Kahlil Bell.[58]

2010 season

edit

In the regular season opener, Forte had a career-best 151 receiving yards including two receiving touchdowns, one for 89 yards and one for 28 yards, that put the Bears ahead late in the fourth quarter. In addition, he had 17 carries for 50 yards to give him his first game going over 200 scrimmage yards. He was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week for that performance in the 19–14 victory.[59][60] In Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers, Forte had touchdown runs of 18 and 68 yards, the latter a career long, on the way to 166 total rushing yards on the day in the 23–6 victory.[61] Forte was named FedEx Ground Player of the Week for this week. In Week 11 at the Miami Dolphins, the season's first Thursday Night Football game, Forte rushed for 97 yards on 25 carries and scored the game's only touchdown on a two-yard run in the fourth quarter as the Bears shutout the Dolphins, 16–0.[62] Over the last seven games of the season, Forte had at least 90 rushing yards in five of them.[63] His 1,616 yards from scrimmage ranked tenth in the NFL.[64]

The Chicago Bears finished with an 11–5 record and made the playoffs.[65][66] In the Divisional Round, Forte recorded 80 yards rushing and 54 yards receiving in a victory over the Seattle Seahawks.[67] In the next round, he became the only player in Bears post-season history with at least ten receptions in the 21–14 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship.[68][69]

2011 season

edit

Forte began the season primarily in a receiving role. He recorded 68, 49, and two rushing yards in his first three games; but had 90, 117, and 80 receiving yards, respectively.[70] This changed in Week 4, when Forte rushed for a career-high 205 yards and one rushing touchdown against the Carolina Panthers, starting a stretch of four 100+ yard rushing performances over the next five games.[71][72][73][74] Through nine games, Forte lead the Bears in rush attempts, rush yards, receptions, and receiving yards;[75] and through Week 8 led the league in yards from scrimmage.[76] In a game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Forte joined Herschel Walker as the only players with 700 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards in their first four seasons, and became the only player with 900 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards.[77] After three less productive games, Forte sprained his MCL in a loss to the Chiefs, ending his season with 997 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 490 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.[78][79] However, he was placed on the NFC team for the 2012 Pro Bowl for the first time in his career, making him the first Bears running back to be named to the Pro Bowl since Neal Anderson in 1991.[80][81] He was ranked 33rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.[82]

 
Forte during training camp in 2009

2012 season

edit

On March 2, 2012, Forte was given the franchise tag by the Bears, worth $7.74 million.[83][84] However, Forte expressed his frustration and refused to sign the tender, which eventually led to the Bears signing Michael Bush.[85][86] Forte then held out for a long-term contract,[87] skipping the organized team activity (OTA) workouts,[88] before finally agreeing to a four-year, $32 million deal.[84] In Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, Forte sustained an ankle injury when he was tackled by Packers cornerback Charles Woodson,[89] originally reported as a dangerous "high ankle sprain"[90] but later down-graded[91] and he only missed one game.[89][92] On the season, he had three 100+ yard rushing performances, and one game with 50+ yards receiving. Forte ended the 2012 season with 248 carries for 1,094 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns to go along with a career-low 44 receptions for 340 yards,and dropped out from the top 10 in yards from scrimmage.[93][94][95]

2013 season

edit

In Week 3 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Forte had a 55-yard run, and the following week against the Detroit Lions, had a 53-yard run, making him the first Bears running back to record runs of 50+ yards in back-to-back games since Raymont Harris in 1997.[96][97][98] Two weeks later, against the New Orleans Saints, Forte passed Rick Casares for third in the all-time leading rusher list with 5,702 career yards, behind Walter Payton and Neal Anderson.[99] In Week 7 against the Washington Redskins, Forte scored three rushing touchdowns in the 45–41 loss.[100] Against the Detroit Lions in Week 10, Forte recorded 49 yards from scrimmage to bring his season total to 1,023, and became the first player in Bears history and 18th NFL player to record 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first six seasons.[101][102] On November 24, 2013, Forte passed Neal Anderson for the second most career rushing yards in Bears franchise history.[103] On December 27, Forte was named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.[104] In the Week 17 loss to Green Bay, Forte recorded his 20th 100-yard rushing game, tying Gale Sayers for the second-most in Bears history. He also had three touchdowns, becoming the third Bear with two three-touchdown games in a season.[105] Forte ended the 2013 season with a career-high nine rushing touchdowns along with 1,933 total yards from scrimmage, fifth-most in team history and the second-most behind Payton. Forte also had 1,339 rushing yards during the season, the ninth-most in franchise history.[106][107] Forte's 1,339 rushing yards ranked second in the NFL in 2013, while his all-purpose yards from 1,933 yards ranked fourth.[108][109] Following the regular season's conclusion, Forte was one of three finalists for the FedEx Ground Player of the Year Award,[110] but finished runner-up to LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles.[111] He was ranked 91st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.[112]

2014 season

edit
 
Forte with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery in 2014

In 2014, Forte solidified his reputation as one of the best receiving backs in NFL history, with five or more receptions in 14 of 16 games.[113] This included twelve receptions for 105 yards in the fifth game, followed by ten receptions for 77 in the sixth game, becoming just the fourth Bear (since joined by Alshon Jeffery in 2015),[114] and the second running back in NFL history with back-to-back 10+ reception games.[115][116][117] He ended the season with 102 receptions, breaking Larry Centers' 1995 record for running backs, which was later eclipsed by Carolina Panthers running back, Christian McCaffrey in 2018. Forte also had three 100+ yard rushing games, and nine games with 100+ yards from scrimmage. He passed 1,000 yards rushing for the third consecutive season (joining Neal Anderson and Walter Payton as the only Bears to do so), and for the fifth time in his career (second only to Payton).[118] He was ranked 48th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.[119]

2015 season

edit

In Week 1, Forte started with a season-best 141 rushing yards on 24 carries and a touchdown against Green Bay, his best since the 2011 season.[120] His production was sub-par even before a knee injury at the hands of Minnesota's Harrison Smith sidelined him for three games.[121] In 13 games in the 2015 season, Forte rushed for 898 yards and four touchdowns, and caught 44 passes for 389 yards and three touchdowns, a then-career-low 1,287 yards from scrimmage.[122] He was ranked 90th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.[123]

On February 12, 2016, Forte announced that the Bears were not going to attempt to re-sign him in free agency.[124] Ryan Pace, the Bears' general manager, later confirmed the Bears were not going to re-sign Forte. He praised Forte's contributions to the Bears by stating, "Matt is one of the all-time great Bears and did an excellent job for us on and off the field last season."[125]

New York Jets

edit

2016 season

edit

On March 9, 2016, Forte signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the New York Jets.[126] In his Jets debut, during their season-opening loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, Forte had 22 carries for 96 rushing yards and five catches for 59 receiving yards in the 23–22 loss.[127] The following week, he finished a 37–31 victory over the Buffalo Bills with 30 carries for 100 yards and tied a career-high with three rushing touchdowns.[128] On October 23, 2016, Forte carried the ball 30 times for 100 yards and a rushing touchdown while also making four receptions for 54 receiving yards and caught his first touchdown reception of the season in a win over the Baltimore Ravens.[129] He was placed on injured reserve on December 30, 2016, with a knee injury.[130] The 5–11 Jets frequently fell behind early in games, and Forte split rushing duties with Bilal Powell.[131] He finished his first season as a Jet with a career-low 813 rushing yards with seven touchdowns to go along with 30 receptions for 263 yards and one touchdown.[132][133]

2017 season

edit

Forte had a career-low 152 yards from scrimmage in his first three games before a toe injury sidelined him for two weeks, allowing Bilal Powell to emerge as a legitimate replacement.[134] He did not have a game with 10 rushing attempts until Week 9, when he scored his first two touchdowns of the season in a 34–21 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football.[135] He was placed on injured reserve on December 30, 2017, after battling a knee injury for most of the season.[136] On Christmas Eve, against the Los Angeles Chargers, he had 19 rushing yards and seven receiving yards in what would be his final professional game.[137] Overall, he finished the 2017 season with 381 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, 37 receptions, 293 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.[138]

Retirement

edit

On February 28, 2018, Forte announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons.[139][140] The Chicago Bears honored both Forte and former teammate Devin Hester on April 23 during a press conference at Halas Hall. The two players signed ceremonial one-day contracts to retire as members of the Bears.[141] Bears chairman George McCaskey praised Forte's legacy with the Bears, lauding the former running back as "a superior athlete and frequently the best player on the field — among the best in a long line of great Bears running backs."[141]

Forte later joined NBC Sports Chicago's Football Aftershow as an analyst alongside Laurence Holmes and former teammates Alex Brown, Lance Briggs, and Olin Kreutz.[142]

Forte was ranked 34th by the Chicago Bears on their list of the Top 100 greatest Bears of all-time.[143]

Forte was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.[144]

NFL career statistics

edit
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving 2PT Fumbles
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD Fum Lost
2008 CHI 16 16 316 1,238 3.9 50T 8 63 477 7.6 19 4 0 1 1
2009 CHI 16 16 258 929 3.6 61 4 57 471 8.3 37 0 1 6 3
2010 CHI 16 16 237 1,069 4.5 68T 6 51 547 10.7 89T 3 1 3 2
2011 CHI 12 12 203 997 4.9 46 3 52 490 9.4 56T 1 0 2 2
2012 CHI 15 15 248 1,094 4.4 46 5 44 340 7.7 47 1 0 2 1
2013 CHI 16 16 289 1,339 4.6 55 9 74 594 8.0 34 3 1 2 2
2014 CHI 16 16 266 1,038 3.9 32 6 102 808 7.9 56 4 2 2 2
2015 CHI 13 13 218 898 4.1 27 4 44 389 8.8 38 3 1 2 1
2016 NYJ 14 13 218 813 3.7 32 7 30 263 8.8 40 1 0 1 1
2017 NYJ 12 4 103 381 3.7 20 2 37 293 7.9 34 1 0 1 1
Career 146 137 2,356 9,796 4.2 68 54 554 4,672 8.4 89 21 6 22 16

Career awards and highlights

edit

Bears franchise records

edit
  • Most rush attempts, rookie season (316)[145]
  • Most receptions, rookie season (63)[146]
  • Most yards from scrimmage, rookie season (1,715)[147]
  • Most receptions, postseason game (10, January 23, 2011, in the NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers) (tied with Allen Robinson)[148]
  • Games with at least three touchdowns in a season (2 in 2013, tied with Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, and Neal Anderson)

Personal life

edit

Forte married Danielle Daniels in August 2011. The couple has three children: Nahla (born in 2013), Matthew Christian (born in 2015) and Nia (born in 2021).[149][150] Forte and his family resided in Mettawa, Illinois, during his tenure with the Bears.[151] His cousin is safety Andrew Adams.[152]

Forte is a Christian and attends weekly team Bible studies and chapels.[153] Forte has spoken about his faith saying, "When people look at me, I don't want them to just see football. I want my faith to speak for me and that it's about more than that. It's about reaching out to others and telling them about your faith."[154]

Forte earned a degree in Finance from Tulane University in May 2009.[155]

Forte took part in the 2008 Rookie Madden Bowl.[156]

References

edit
  1. ^ Werner, Barry (December 23, 2018). "Christian McCaffrey joins exclusive 1,000-yard rushing, 100-catch season club". Touchdown Wire. USA Today. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  2. ^ Ingrassia, Nunzio (March 23, 2016). "Matt Forte hasn't fully gotten over how his time with the Bears ended". Fox Sports. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
  3. ^ Nunez, Tammy (June 10, 2012). "Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte returns to Slidell to teach kids football, help purchase gear". NOLA.com. Archived from the original on January 3, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  4. ^ "Matt Forte Biography". Tulane Green Wave Athletics. Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
  5. ^ "Matt Forte". Scout.com – Chicago. Archived from the original on October 20, 2014.
  6. ^ "Matt Forte College Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  7. ^ "Tulane Green Wave Coaches". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  8. ^ "2004 Tulane Green Wave Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  9. ^ "UAB at Tulane Box Score, October 23, 2004". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 10, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  10. ^ "Army at Tulane Box Score, November 13, 2004". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  11. ^ "Matt Forte 2004 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  12. ^ "2004 Tulane Green Wave Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  13. ^ "2005 Tulane Green Wave Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  14. ^ "Tulane at Southern Mississippi Box Score, November 26, 2005". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on May 9, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  15. ^ "Matt Forte 2005 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  16. ^ "Katrina always in mind's eye". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  17. ^ "2005 Tulane Green Wave Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  18. ^ "2006 Tulane Green Wave Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  19. ^ "Tulane at Mississippi State Box Score, September 16, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  20. ^ "Rice at Tulane Box Score, October 7, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  21. ^ "Tulane at UTEP Box Score, October 14, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  22. ^ "Tulane at Auburn Box Score, October 21, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  23. ^ "Army at Tulane Box Score, October 28, 2006". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  24. ^ "Marshall Rolls Over Tulane, 42–21". Marshall247. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  25. ^ "Matt Forte 2006 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  26. ^ "2006 Tulane Green Wave Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  27. ^ "Former UCLA coach Toledo takes over Tulane program". ESPN.com. December 11, 2006. Archived from the original on October 16, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  28. ^ "2007 Tulane Green Wave Schedule and Results". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2017. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  29. ^ "2007 Tulane Green Wave Stats". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  30. ^ "Matt Forte 2007 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  31. ^ "Southeastern Louisiana at Tulane Box Score, September 22, 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  32. ^ "Tulane at Army Box Score, October 6, 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  33. ^ "Tulane at Alabama-Birmingham Box Score, October 13, 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  34. ^ "Tulane at Southern Methodist Box Score, October 20, 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  35. ^ "Memphis at Tulane Box Score, October 27, 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  36. ^ "Tulane at Rice Box Score, November 17, 2007". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  37. ^ "2007 Leaders". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2021.
  38. ^ "Football's Matt Forté Named Maxwell Award Semifinalist". Tulane University Athletics. November 8, 2007. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  39. ^ "Doak Walker Award Semifinalists". Arkansas Razorbacks. November 7, 2014. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  40. ^ "Game Scores/MVPs : Game History : The Game : Reese's Senior Bowl". SeniorBowl.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  41. ^ "AP announces All-American football team". HeraldNet.com. Associated Press. December 11, 2007. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  42. ^ "2008 NFL Combine Stats: Running Backs". footballsfuture.com. Archived from the original on September 26, 2009. Retrieved September 17, 2009.
  43. ^ "2008 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  44. ^ Clayton, John (June 9, 2008). "Bears waive tailback Benson after latest arrest". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  45. ^ "Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts – September 7th, 2008". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  46. ^ "Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – October 5th, 2008". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  47. ^ "Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams – November 23rd, 2008". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 2, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  48. ^ Trowbridge, Matt (December 8, 2008). "Forte more dependable, less flashy than forebears". Ionia Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 3, 2021. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  49. ^ "2008 NFL Rushing & Receiving". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 23, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  50. ^ "Matt Forte 2008 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  51. ^ Kalafa, Jeff (December 12, 2008). "Top Rookie Running Backs....Matt Forte, Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton Lead Group". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on October 8, 2012. Retrieved January 4, 2009.
  52. ^ "Rookie receptions in a single season, Chicago Bears". Context. November 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 11, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  53. ^ "Falcons' Ryan named AP's top offensive rookie". ESPN.com. Associated Press. December 30, 2008. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  54. ^ "Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – October 4th, 2009". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  55. ^ "Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – January 3rd, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  56. ^ "Matt Forte 2009 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  57. ^ "2009 NFL Rushing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  58. ^ "2009 Chicago Bears Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  59. ^ "Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – September 12th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  60. ^ "2010 NFL Week 1 Leaders & Scores". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  61. ^ "Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers – October 10th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  62. ^ "Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins – November 18th, 2010". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  63. ^ "Matt Forte 2010 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  64. ^ "2010 NFL Rushing & Receiving". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  65. ^ "2010 Chicago Bears Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  66. ^ "2010 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 6, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  67. ^ "Divisional Round – Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears – January 16th, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 2, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  68. ^ Neveau, James (February 28, 2018). "Forte Facts: 10 Incredible Numbers From a Remarkable Career". NBC Chicago. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  69. ^ "NFC Championship – Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – January 23rd, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 15, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  70. ^ "Matt Forte 2011 Game Log (Games 1–3)". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 8, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  71. ^ "Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears – October 2nd, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  72. ^ "Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – October 10th, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  73. ^ "Chicago Bears at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – October 23rd, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  74. ^ "Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles – November 7th, 2011". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  75. ^ "Bears offensive statistics, 2011 Weeks 1–9". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
  76. ^ "NFL offensive statistics, 2011 Weeks 1–8". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
  77. ^ "Forte is excited to rejoin teammates". Chicago Bears. July 24, 2012. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  78. ^ "Matt Forte 2011 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  79. ^ Wright, Michael C.; Schefter, Adam (December 4, 2011). "Sources: Bears' Forte has Grade 2 MCL sprain". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  80. ^ "Bears sign Forte to a four-year contract". Chicago Bears. July 16, 2012. Archived from the original on July 20, 2012. Retrieved August 3, 2012.
  81. ^ Mayer, Larry (December 27, 2011). "Tillman among five voted to Pro Bowl". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  82. ^ "2012 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  83. ^ "Bears put franchise tag on Matt Forte". Chicago Bears. March 2, 2012. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  84. ^ a b Mayer, Larry (June 12, 2012). "Matt Forte absent as Chicago Bears open minicamp". NFL.com. Archived from the original on June 27, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  85. ^ Alper, Josh (April 11, 2012). "Report: Matt Forte won't sign anything but a long-term deal". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
  86. ^ Boren, Cindy (March 23, 2012). "Matt Forte says Bears "disrespected" him with Michael Bush deal". Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 25, 2016. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  87. ^ Wright, Michael C. (July 29, 2011). "Source: Bears RB Forte considering holdout". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  88. ^ Brooks, Matt (May 23, 2012). "Matt Forte skips Bears OTAs as contract dispute continues – The Early Lead". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 6, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2012.
  89. ^ a b "Bears' Forte out for Rams game". CNN Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. September 21, 2012. Archived from the original on January 19, 2013. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  90. ^ Dickerson, Jeff (September 14, 2012). "Bears RB Forte injures ankle against Packers". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 5, 2019. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  91. ^ Brady, James (September 17, 2012). "Bears: Matt Forte Injury Is Not High Ankle Sprain". SBNation.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  92. ^ Mayer, Larry (September 26, 2012). "Forte thinks he'll be able to play Monday". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  93. ^ "Matt Forte 2012 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  94. ^ Mayer, Larry (July 29, 2013). "Forte eager to be more involved in passing game". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  95. ^ "2012 NFL Rushing". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  96. ^ Mayer, Larry (September 29, 2013). "Larry Mayers's Bears-Lions Game Blog". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
  97. ^ "Chicago Bears at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 22nd, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  98. ^ "Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – September 29th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 8, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  99. ^ Mayer, Larry (October 6, 2013). "Jeffery sets Bears record in loss to Saints". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved October 6, 2013.
  100. ^ "Chicago Bears at Washington Redskins – October 20th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  101. ^ "Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – November 10th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 26, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  102. ^ "Postgame notes – Bears vs. Lions week 10". Chicago Bears. November 10, 2013. Archived from the original on January 21, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2013.
  103. ^ Stoltz, Jeremy (November 24, 2013). "Forte No. 2 rusher in Bears annals". Scout.com. Dear Report. Archived from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  104. ^ Sessler, Marc (December 27, 2013). "2014 Pro Bowl roster analysis: Offense". National Football League. Archived from the original on December 28, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  105. ^ "Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – December 29th, 2013". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 29, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  106. ^ "Chicago Bears Single-Season Rushing Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  107. ^ "Matt Forte 2013 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  108. ^ LeGere, Bob (December 29, 2013). "Big season, but Forte wanted much more". Daily Herald (Arlington Heights). Archived from the original on January 12, 2014. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  109. ^ "2013 NFL Rushing & Receiving". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 18, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  110. ^ Mayer, Larry (January 6, 2014). "Forte a finalist for FedEx Award". chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  111. ^ Smith, Alex (February 1, 2014). "LeSean McCoy Wins FedEx Ground Award". Philadelphia Eagles. Archived from the original on February 20, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2014.
  112. ^ "2014 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  113. ^ "Matt Forte 2014 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  114. ^ "Players with at least ten receptions in consecutive games, Chicago Bears". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  115. ^ "Players with at least ten rush attempts and ten receptions in back-to-back games, NFL history". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  116. ^ "Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers – October 5th, 2014". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 19, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  117. ^ "Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons – October 12th, 2014". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.. As of 2017, James Wilder Sr. was the only other player to accomplished this feat, in 1984.
  118. ^ "Chicago Bears Single-Season Rushing Leaders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  119. ^ "2015 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  120. ^ "Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears – September 13th, 2015". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  121. ^ "Chicago Bears: Matt Forte should not need surgery". SI.com. November 2, 2015. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  122. ^ "Matt Forte 2015 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
  123. ^ "2016 NFL Top 100". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  124. ^ "Instagram post by Matt Forte • Feb 12, 2016 at 3:15pm UTC". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021.
  125. ^ Mayer, Larry (February 12, 2016). "Bears will not re-sign Matt Forte". chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on December 2, 2018. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  126. ^ Dickerson, Jeff (March 9, 2016). "Source: Jets to sign RB Forte to replace Ivory". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  127. ^ "Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets – September 11th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
  128. ^ "New York Jets at Buffalo Bills – September 15th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 2, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
  129. ^ "Baltimore Ravens at New York Jets – October 23rd, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved November 3, 2017.
  130. ^ Jackson, Zac (December 30, 2016). "Jets place Forte on IR". ProFootballTalk. Archived from the original on January 2, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  131. ^ "2016 New York Jets Statistics & Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  132. ^ Allen, Eric (December 30, 2016). "Jets Place RB Matt Forté on Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  133. ^ "Matt Forte 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  134. ^ Theodorakis, Andrew (September 29, 2017). "Forte's toe injury opens door for Powell and surprising rookie". New York Post. Archived from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  135. ^ "Buffalo Bills at New York Jets – November 2nd, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 9, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  136. ^ Greenberg, Ethan (December 30, 2017). "Jets Place RB Forté on Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  137. ^ "Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets – December 24th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  138. ^ "Matt Forte 2017 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on March 3, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2018.
  139. ^ Romano, Jason (February 28, 2018). "Matt Forte says goodbye to the NFL after 10 seasons". SportsSpectrum.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  140. ^ Knoblauch, Austin (February 28, 2018). "Matt Forte announces retirement after 10 NFL seasons". NFL.com. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018.
  141. ^ a b Mayer, Larry (April 23, 2018). "Hester, Forte officially retire as Bears". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on April 24, 2018. Retrieved April 24, 2018.
  142. ^ "Olin Kreutz to join NBC Sports Chicago's Bears coverage team". NBC Sports Chicago. August 20, 2019. Archived from the original on August 20, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  143. ^ Mayer, Larry (May 23, 2019). "Ranking best Bears of all time". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  144. ^ Vangilder, Lenny (July 20, 2023). "Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame 2023: Matt Forte proved doubters wrong at every level". The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  145. ^ "Most rushing attempts in one season by a rookie, Chicago Bears". StatMuse. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  146. ^ "Most receptions in one season by a rookie, Chicago Bears". StatMuse. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  147. ^ "Most yards from scrimmage in one season by a rookie, Chicago Bears". StatMuse. Archived from the original on June 21, 2022. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  148. ^ "Most receptions in a playoff game, Chicago Bears". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2022.
  149. ^ Hendricks, Maggie (July 8, 2013). "Matt Forte Embracing New Baby and Offense". NBC. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  150. ^ Thele, Kyle (December 3, 2015). "Matt Forte celebrates the birth of his son Matthew Christian Forte". Sun-Times. Archived from the original on December 7, 2015. Retrieved December 3, 2015.
  151. ^ Rodnick, Dennis (April 15, 2013). "The Bears' Matt Forte Just Bought a Secluded Mettawa Home". Chicago. Archived from the original on October 9, 2018. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
  152. ^ Birkett, Dave (July 30, 2019). "Detroit Lions S Andrew Adams has football in his blood: 'Enjoy the grind:'". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on January 7, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  153. ^ Forte, Matt (November 2009). "My Story". FCA.org. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016.
  154. ^ Kemp, Jacob (April 7, 2015). "Matt Forte's faith a top priority". Hattiesburg American. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  155. ^ Mayer, Larry (May 11, 2009). "Forte hits books to earn finance degree from Tulane". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on May 15, 2009. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
  156. ^ "EA Hosts Second Annual Rookie Madden Bowl – IGN". IGN.com. June 14, 2012. Archived from the original on March 18, 2014. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
edit