Veteran NFL running back Matt Forte has announced his retirement today after 10 seasons in the league. The 32-year old running back spent most of his career with the Chicago Bears, the team that drafted him 44th overall out of Tulane in 2008, before signing with the New York Jets after the 2015 season.
According to NFL.com, Forte ranks second in Bears history behind Hall of Famer Walter Payton in rushing yards (8,602), receiving yards by a running back (4,116), yards from scrimmage, 100-yard rushing games (24), scrimmage yards per game (106.0) and games with at least 150 yards from scrimmage (25).
Forte made the retirement announcement today on twitter in a statement to Sports Spectrum.
"For the past 10 years, I've been blessed to play professionally a game that I've loved since I was 6 years old," Forte wrote. "But, after much prayer and reflection, I've decided to retire from the NFL. Like so many others before me, this game has enhanced my life in numerous ways. My career in the league has been nothing short of a miracle granted by God and put on display for His glory. I will cherish the many memories made on the field and the life-long friends Iâve made over the years in the locker room."
"To all Chicago Bears fans, you're truly the best fans in all of professional sports," Forte said in his statement. "Thank you for embracing my family and me from day one! The roar of the crowd at Soldier Field as I'd break a run or make a big catch will forever be ingrained in my mind."
Since Forte's rookie year in 2008, he has compiled 14,468 yards from scrimmage, which is more than any player in the league, according to ESPN. He ranks 33rd all-time in rushing yards (9,796) and 28th in career scrimmage yards (14,468).