Matt Forte
A model of quiet consistency, he redefined the modern running back as a relentless, all-purpose weapon for the Chicago Bears.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American football player·Birthday: December 10·Millennials
Biography
Matt Forte never possessed the flashiest highlight reel, but for a decade he was the steady, indispensable engine of the Chicago Bears' offense. Drafted in the second round out of Tulane, he immediately silenced doubters by racking up over 1,700 total yards as a rookie. Forte’s game was built on elegance and efficiency; he had the vision to find rushing lanes, the soft hands of a wide receiver, and the durability to handle a massive workload. In an era that began to devalue the bell-cow back, Forte proved their worth, becoming one of only three players ever to have a season with both 1,000 rushing yards and 100 receptions. His departure from Chicago after eight seasons felt like the end of an era, a final two-year stint with the New York Jets underscoring his professionalism. He retired not with a single loud explosion, but with the sustained rumble of over 14,000 total yards—a testament to his rare, complete skill set.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- One of only three players in NFL history to record a season with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 100 receptions (2014).
- Rushed for over 1,000 yards in four different seasons and recorded over 1,000 total yards from scrimmage in all eight of his seasons with the Bears.
- Holds the Chicago Bears franchise record for most receptions in a single season (102 in 2014).
- Finished his career with over 14,000 total yards from scrimmage (9,796 rushing, 4,672 receiving).
- Named to the NFL Pro Bowl twice (2011, 2013).
Did You Know?
He was a standout track athlete in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and long jump.
Forte majored in finance at Tulane University and was known for his business-like approach to football.
He and his wife founded the "What's Your Forte?" foundation, which focuses on supporting single-parent families.
He never missed a game due to injury during his entire four-year college career at Tulane.
“I always prided myself on being an all-around back. I never wanted to be just a runner or just a receiver.”
