“I never really kept up with stats and records but that was one I had my sights set on.”
Looking back on Matt Forte’s career with the Chicago Bears, it’s hard to find much to be disappointed about as a fan.
The former second-round pick out of Tulane finished his time in the Windy City as the second-leading rusher in Bears history (8,602 yards) behind only Walter Payton’s seemingly unassailable 16,726 yards.
Beyond that, he was undoubtedly the most complete all-around running back the franchise has had aside from Payton himself, even posting 102 catches in 2014.
If he’d had his way, though, he would’ve caught a few more passes in a Bears uniform.
Six more, as a matter of fact.
Why? Because six more receptions would have made him the Bears’ all-time leader in the category, surpassing Payton’s record of 492.
On Friday, a Bears fan expressed their sadness that Forte just missed out on the milestone, prompting the ex-Chicago back to respond with his own regret.
“Me too man,” Forte said. “I never really kept up with stats and records, but that was one I had my sights set on.”
Me too man… I never really kept up with stats and records but that was one I had my sights set on https://t.co/xTuRM8QAuw
— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) February 21, 2025
It certainly wasn’t for lack of trying.
The two-time Pro Bowler caught no fewer than 44 passes in any of his Bears seasons and was always a threat to catch the ball as an outlet or even split out as a receiver. He especially took off in Marc Trestman’s pass-happy offenses in 2013 and 2014, catching 176 total passes in those two seasons.
If he hadn’t missed four games in 2011 at the height of his powers or been out a few games in 2015 — his last season with the Bears — the record almost certainly would’ve been his. But such is life in the NFL.
Of course, if he wants to suit it back up for a couple games this year … who’s to say he wouldn’t be better than D’Andre Swift?