Following a decorated career with the Chicago Bears, running back Matt Forte had signed with the New York Jets prior to the 2016 NFL season. However, he could just have easily been coming off back-to-back Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.
After his meeting with the Jets, the Patriots had contacted Forte to set up a visit with the team. According to Connor Hughes of the Star-Ledger, he never took that meeting because he had already verbally agreed to sign with New York:
What kind of character does Matt Forte have? After verbally agreeing to contract with Jets, the Patriots called him to set up a visit. Forte realized NE was closer to SB (they won it that year), but he wouldn’t break his word to NYJ. He never took the trip to Foxborough
Ironically, those within the Patriots organization like offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels did not heed Forte's sense of honor. McDaniels came under fire this offseason after backing out of his initial agreement to become the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
The report is indicative of the not only the type of player Forte is but his character off the field as well. While a verbal agreement essentially ensures a deal will get done, nothing is ever truly set in stone until the contract is signed.
That said, he could have just as easily gone to the bigger AFC East powerhouse. However, the mere fact that Forte had already given his word was enough to deny a meeting with the best team in the NFL over the past two decades.
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