Fans of running back Matt Forte received some news Wednesday that they likely knew was coming. They hoped it wasn’t, but eventually, every NFL player travels down this final road. Forte announced that he is retiring from the NFL.
Forte tweeted the news to his fans Wednesday:
https://t.co/DqIf5X7zIu pic.twitter.com/4PzGZNNdgM
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) February 28, 2018
“For the past 10 years, I've been blessed to play professionally a game that I've loved since I was 6 years old. But, after much prayer and reflection, I've decided to retire from the NFL,” Forte said in a statement to Sports Spectrum.
At the age of 32, a case could be made that he still has a few good years left in the tank. But for running backs, turning 30 or 31 seems to make the beginning of the end of their careers. For some reason, many seem to lose much of their game right around that age.
Last year was by far his worst as a pro.
He only carried the ball 103 times for 381 yards and two touchdowns. During his day with the Bears he made his mark as a dual-threat running back, but the Jets didn’t use him much in the passing game. Last season, he had 37 receptions for 293 yards. In 2016 he only had 30 receptions for 263 yards.
The Chicago Bears let him go after eight productive seasons. But since he didn’t feel like he was done, he signed with the New York Jets in 2016. However, he was unable to regain the form he had in Chicago. But even though he was not successful during his time with the Jets, he was grateful he had it:
“My experience as a Jet was truly first rate,” Forte said in his statement (via ESPN). “To all of my many coaches and teachers over the years, thank you for your dedication and commitment to my growth and success as a person and player.”
Matt Forte retires as one of the most professional and best backs of his generation.
Follow Us
Subscribe