Matt Forte On Uncertain Bears Future: 'All I Can Do Is Play'
By Chris Emma--
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- Amid uncertainty of a contract with one year remaining and playing a position that often sacrifices physical health, running back Matt Forte has come to see his limited future in Chicago.
"All I can do is play football," Forte said following the Bears' OTA on Wednesday. "I've come to the realization that any run or catch I have could be my last in a Bears uniform. If they don't want to re-sign me, I'll have to play football somewhere else."
Forte, 29, is entering his eighth season in Chicago, with just one year left on his contract. Negotiations with new general manager Ryan Pace have halted, and Forte doesn't know what's next for his career after the 2015 season.
In April, Forte missed the Bears' presentation of the team's prestigious Piccolo Award while working out in Florida, a move that brought heavy criticism. However, Forte vowed not to hold out for OTAs -- and stated the same for training camp in July -- and is out to prove his abilities.
"Nobody wants to play on a one-year deal, especially with the uncertainty of how football is," Forte said. "You just figure, a guy who's been there since day one, has put in hard work and continues to produce, that guy should be rewarded. But it's a business, and that doesn't always happen."
In 2014, Forte rushed for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns while adding 102 receptions, an NFL record for running backs, to go with 808 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
Forte has historically kept himself in great shape, only missing five starts in his seven-year NFL career. He has no visions of leaving the game anytime soon.
"I feel like I can continue to play as long as I want to," Forte said.
Wednesday's OTA, the first of three at Halas Hall over the next few weeks, provided Forte with an opportunity to work into the Bears' new offensive system, led by new offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
The Bears' offense features much of the same personnel, led by quarterback Jay Cutler, but has plenty of moving parts for Forte to adapt to. This is one of many chances ahead for Forte to show his value in the offense moving forward.
"I love Adam Gase," Forte said. "My first impression is he's got a lot of energy. He's going to be good for not only this offense, but being able to coach Jay as well."
Forte's return to the field was a welcomed addition for the Bears. However, the offense was without an important piece of the puzzle, as tight end Martellus Bennett wasn't present for practice.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.