Matt Forte is a former professional running back. He played college football at Tulane. Forte set several Tulane school records, including rushing for 2,127 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns.

Forte was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft and played ten NFL seasons. Forte established himself as a dual-threat running back capable of earning yards as a rusher and receiver. As of 2021 , he is one of only three players on the "1,000-yard rushing, 100-catch season" club. Forte spent eight seasons with the Bears before playing for the New York Jets for two seasons. In the 2010 regular season opener, Forte had a career-best 151 receiving yards including two receiving touchdowns, one for 89 yards and one for 28 yards that put the Bears ahead late in the fourth quarter. 

The Chicago Bears honored Forte during a press conference at Halas Hall. He signed a ceremonial one-day contracts to retire as a member of the Bears. Forte later joined NBC Sports Chicago's Football Aftershow as an analyst alongside Laurence Holmes and former teammates Alex Brown, Lance Briggs, and Olin Kreutz.