Bear Facts: RB Matt Forte - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Matt Forte  #22 Running Back

DOB: December 10, 1985

6'5", 230lbs.

5th season / Tulane

Bio- Forte has proven himself as a solid running back in his four seasons with the Bears. The 2011 Pro Bowler was the first player in NFL history to accumulate 900 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons and already ranks fifth in Bears history in rushing yards (4,233 on 1,014 attempts, 21 touchdowns) and yards from scrimmage (6,218). Over his career, Forte has accrued 223 catches for 1,985 yards (8.9 average) and 8 touchdowns. His list of firsts for the Bears is lengthy: first player with 990 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons with the team, first running back with 400 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons, and first player with 1,400+ yards from scrimmage in each of his first four seasons. Forte (alongside Neal Anderson, Rick Casares, and Walter Payton) is one of four players in team history to have 4,000 rushing yards and 1,500 receiving yards. As a rookie, Forte broke the franchise record for rushing yards by a rookie (1,238) and scrimmage yards by a rookie (1,715); he also became one of just two rookies in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards and have more than 60 catches in season. He's surpassed the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career with 12 100-yard rushing games and three 100-yard receiving games. His 205 rushing yards against Carolina in 2011 are tied for second most in Bears single-game history, and Forte also holds the franchise record for receptions in a playoff game with 10 catches against Green Bay in 2011.

Lou's Call – He'll end up thanking GM Phil Emery for signing (RB) Michael Bush. Forte had started 61 consecutive games before his MCL sprain last season. Including his senior season at Tulane, he had averaged 326 touches a season over the last five years. Sorry, that's way too many and will shorted a running backs career. I love Forte on this team! He can run with the football, block, and for the first time since I've been alive, gives the Bears the ability to run the screen pass with success because of his pass catching ability. Forte's going to be 27 in Dec and has high mileage on those legs. NFL data has shown that running backs start breaking down at the age of 28, this year will be a big year for Forte since he WON'T have to be 75% of the team's offense like last season.

Tom's Take – After signing a 4 year extension, Matt should be both happy and healthy when the season begins. Matt is one of the leagues best dual threat backs. If he stays healthy, he should rush for better than 1100 yards and add another 500 receiving yards.

Dionne's View – Oh, Forte. You made the off season more dramatic than it needed to be. But you're back, so NOW your money. Before that knee injury, he was on pace to rush for 1328 yards. That would have been good enough for 2nd in the NFC. Trust me, if he is stronger and in better shape than he was preparing during a lock out, he'll be worth it.