Matt Forte is everything the Chicago Bears could have hoped for in a player.
The versatile running back arguably has been their most important offensive player in his eight seasons in Chicago.
He has become the franchise’s second most productive running back in history, trailing only iconic Hall of Famer Walter Payton in seven categories, including rushing yards and receiving yards by a running back.
Forte also has been a force in the city’s troubled inner-city, running a foundation that benefits youth.
He has been a hands-on mentor, once “adopting” an under-funded high school football team, buying not just equipment, but laptops for every player.
Forte is old (30 next month) by running back standards, but he was off to another strong season, ranking among the top rushers in the league until he sprained a knee two weeks ago.
Enter rookie running back Jeremy Langford, who has piled up a Forte-like 354 rushing and receiving yards in two games.
With Forte’s contract ending this year, the media and fan chatter already has turned to a new, Langford-led era. “Chicago is kind of like, ‘Well, see ya later, Matt’. I’m like, ‘man, I’ve been here eight years. Y’all just going to throw me to the side?’,” Forte said to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Unfortunately, yes. That is the way it works.
“I don’t mind,” Forte said. “I’ll play wherever I end up.”
Sadly, the city may find it harder to replace him than the Bears will.
Follow us on twitter at @NatSportUAE
