Forte averaged 67.1 yds on the ground per game in his pro football career. He has rushed for 54 TD’s. His average when carrying the ball sits at 4.2 and he carried it 2,356 total times. Matt Forte accumulated 9,796 yards on the ground in 146 games played in his career.
Forte was handed the ball 0 times to the tune of 0.0 yards per carry. During his 0 games played in his final year, Matt Forte averaged 0.0 yds per game and got into the endzone 0 times on the ground. His longest run that year was 0 yards. Matt Forte is a name that resonates with football fans, especially those who followed the NFL in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Known for his versatility and consistency, Forte carved a niche for himself as one of the most reliable running backs in the league. In this article, we’ll explore Matt Forte’s NFL career, his playing style, and his impact on the game.
Early Life and College Career
Matt Forte was born on December 10, 1985, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He attended Slidell High School, where he showcased his athletic talent across multiple sports, but it was on the football field that he truly excelled. Forte’s performance in high school earned him a scholarship to Tulane University, where he would go on to have an impressive college career.
At Tulane, Forte quickly became a standout player. He rushed for over 2,000 yards in his senior year alone, showcasing his ability to both run and catch the ball. His college career set the stage for his entry into the NFL, where he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
NFL Career Highlights
Chicago Bears
Forte’s NFL journey began with the Chicago Bears, where he spent the majority of his career from 2008 to 2015. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact by rushing for 1,238 yards and catching 63 passes for 477 yards. This impressive debut earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team.
Throughout his time with the Bears, Forte was known for his dual-threat capabilities. He consistently ranked among the top running backs in the league in both rushing and receiving yards. Forte’s ability to make plays both as a runner and a receiver made him a valuable asset to the Bears’ offense.
New York Jets
In 2016, Forte signed with the New York Jets, where he played for two seasons before announcing his retirement in 2018. Although his time with the Jets was shorter and marked by injuries, Forte still managed to contribute significantly to the team, demonstrating his resilience and skill.
Playing Style and Skills
Matt Forte was not your average running back. He was known for his patience, vision, and ability to read defenses. These skills allowed him to find gaps in the defensive line and exploit them for big gains. Additionally, Forte was an excellent receiver out of the backfield, which added another dimension to his game.
Versatility
Forte’s versatility was one of his defining traits. He could run between the tackles, catch passes, and even block when needed. This made him a three-down back, a rarity in today’s NFL, where many teams rely on a committee approach at the running back position.
Consistency
Throughout his career, Forte was consistently productive. He amassed over 1,000 rushing yards in five of his first seven seasons and maintained a high level of play even as he aged. His consistent performance made him a reliable option for his coaches and a fan favorite.
Impact on the NFL
Matt Forte’s impact on the NFL goes beyond his impressive stats. He helped redefine what it means to be a successful running back in the modern era. His ability to contribute both on the ground and through the air influenced how teams evaluated and utilized running backs.
Influence on Future Running Backs
Forte’s success paved the way for other versatile running backs like Le’Veon Bell and Alvin Kamara, who have followed in his footsteps by excelling as dual-threat players. His career demonstrated the value of a running back who can contribute in multiple ways, setting a precedent for future generations.
Career Statistics
Forte’s career statistics are a testament to his skill and consistency. He finished his career with 9,796 rushing yards, 4,672 receiving yards, and 75 total touchdowns. These numbers rank him among the top running backs in NFL history and highlight his dual-threat capabilities.
Rushing and Receiving
Rushing Yards: 9,796
Rushing Touchdowns: 54
Receptions: 554
Receiving Yards: 4,672
Receiving Touchdowns: 21
Post-Retirement Life
After retiring from the NFL, Matt Forte has stayed connected to the sport. He has appeared as an analyst on various sports networks, sharing his insights and expertise. Forte is also involved in charitable work, using his platform to give back to the community.
Community Involvement
Forte has been active in various charitable initiatives, focusing on youth development and education. His commitment to making a positive impact off the field is a testament to his character and values.
Conclusion
Matt Forte’s career is a shining example of what a running back can achieve with hard work, versatility, and consistency. His contributions to the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and the NFL at large have left a lasting legacy. As a player who excelled both as a rusher and a receiver, Forte helped redefine the role of the modern running back and set a standard for future generations to follow. His story is one of perseverance and excellence, both on and off the field.