Chicago Bears

Matt Forte Plans to Retire as a Member of the Chicago Bears

Matt Forte plans to retire as a member of the Chicago Bears.

The two-time Pro Bowl running back told NBC Sports Chicago on Monday that he will sign a one-day contract so he can officially go out as a Bear. Forte announced last week he is calling it a career after 10 seasons.

A second-round draft pick out of Tulane in 2008, Forte spent his first eight seasons with Chicago and his last two with the New York Jets.

Forte's 9,796 yards rushing rank 33rd on the NFL's career list. He also had 554 receptions, including setting the league record for running backs with 102 catches in 2014, and his 14,468 yards from scrimmage were the most in the NFL the past decade.

Forte announced his retirement on social media:

“After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided to retire from the NFL,” Forte said in a statement. “While my heart is a bit heavy as a close this chapter of my life, I am excited about what the future holds. God bless, and Bear Down!”

Forte is the second-leading rusher in Bears history, with 8602 yards as a member of the team. He rushed for 1000 or more yards five times, second in team history to Walter Payton, and is one of only three Bears to rush for 1000 or more yards in a season three straight years. 

"I am forever indebted to Jimmie and Dolores Daniels and the city of Chicago becuase not only did I get to live out my childhood dream in playing for the Bears, but also it was here where I fell in love with my beautiful wife Danielle and started a family of my own," he said. 

He also thanked the McCaskey family for their support over the years, and gave a shout-out to the great running backs who played before him. 

"Thank you for allowing me to be part of the rich Chicago Bears tradition and to run in the footsteps of greats like Gale Sayers and Walter Payton," he said. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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