Chicago Bears’ running back Matt Forte will not let his unknown fate trump his altruistic inclinations. Forte hosted a camp at the Slidell Youth Football Association fields this past Saturday in Slidell, Louisiana. Returning to his hometown, Forte’s event gathered roughly 250 kids who came out and participated in the athletic exercises.
On the field, Forte has yet to reach an agreement with the Bears. He recently turned down a one-year offer with earnings of roughly up to $13-14 million dollars. However, the Bears’ franchise tag aims to keep Forte on the team. The last time the Bears utilized a franchise tag was in 2007 on linebacker Lance Briggs.
Forte was the Bears’ second round pick (44th overall) of the 2008 draft. In his four years in Chicago, he has proven to be quite the asset for the Bears’ offense. Forte was the first Bears’ running back since Neal Anderson in 1991 to be picked to the Pro Bowl in this past season.
The Bears are determined to keep Forte on their roster, but the 26 year-old is looking for a bigger commitment and a long term deal. Although no contract has been signed, Forte is optimistic that they can reach a settlement.
According to The Times – Picayune, Forte stated, “I’m just excited about the season…I don’t worry too much about what’s going to happen in the future because I already know I’m taken care of. Whatever God has in plans for you, you’re going to get it. So I don’t really worry myself about what is going to happen with all that. I just prepare to play football and when the time comes to go out there that’s what I’m going to do.”
In his fourth season, Forte managed 1487 yards from scrimmage and 997 rushing. He ended his season with a career high average of 4.7 yards per carry and he ranked eighth in yards per game with 83.1.
Forte led the Bears in rushing in his first three seasons and started all 48 career games. He ranks seventh on the Bears’ all-times list with 3,226 rushing yards. With many other accomplishments with the franchise, the Bears do not want to lose Forte.
Despite the uncertainty over his contract status, Forte continued giving back to the community by donating $15,000 to the Slidell Association for equipment. The Slidell youth are required to purchase their own equipment on top of a registration fee and Forte hopes that his donation can ease that financial pressure for the kids and their families.
By Cheri Cheng
