November 2009 Home Stretch My Story Matt Forte Chicago Bears

I grew up in Slidell, La., about 30 miles away from New Orleans and the area's famed Bayou Country. My paternal grandfather was a minister who preached faith in God and a strong work ethic. He instilled those values in my father, Gene, who faithfully passed them on to my older brother, Bryan, and me.

Matt Forte - #22

Birthday: Dec. 10, 1985 Hometown: Slidell, La. Team: Chicago Bears Position: RB Height: 6-2 Weight: 218 lbs. College: Tulane University Years Pro: 2 Career Notes: • Started all 16 games in his rookie season. • Broke the franchise rookie records for both rushing yards (1,238) and scrimmage yards (1,715). • Set a team record for receptions by a running back (63). • One of just two rookies in NFL history to rush for more than 1,000 yards and post more than 60 catches (Edgerrin James, 1999).

As kids, Bryan and I really benefited from our dad's wisdom. Our family attended church every week at Hartzell Mount Zion Church in Slidell, and that was where I placed my faith in Christ when I was 15 years old.

I started attending FCA Huddles as a student-athlete at Slidell High, and I grew so much through the speakers and messages we'd hear every Friday morning before school. I still love FCA, and just this May, I got the chance to make an impact through the ministry as the speaker at the Chicago FCA's annual Sharing the Victory banquet. It was an amazing opportunity.

As a pro athlete, I face a number of challenges, but God is faithful to help me through any and all situations. I rely heavily on our team chaplain Ray McElroy's weekly Bible studies and team chapels, which offer us great spiritual guidance. The pre-game chapels are especially important since we play in a league where we can't attend Sunday-morning church services. Without those chapels, it would be really tough to grow in my faith.

Challenges considered, though, I'm still living a lifelong dream. Football is in my blood. My dad was a high school All-American from Texas who played defensive tackle at Tulane University from 1974 to 1977, and my brother played linebacker at McNeese State. My dad toughed it out through three knee surgeries in college, and, as a result, he tried to talk me into pursuing another sport. But I just loved football too much, and I chose his alma mater for my own college career.

It was at Tulane that I faced one of the first real tests of my faith. During my junior year in 2006, I suffered a season-ending knee injury in our ninth game. At the time, I was nearing my first 1,000-yard rushing season as a collegiate athlete. I definitely started to question why the Lord would let that happen, but my dad encouraged my faith and instructed me to trust God. He believed that everything would work out just fine.

He was right.

The next season, I finished with 2,127 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns, and I eventually got drafted in the second round by the Bears.

By God's grace, my success has continued. As a rookie last year, my feet carried me to new franchise rookie records for rushing yards (1,238) and yards from scrimmage (1,715). It was thrilling to see all the hard work pay off and even better to experience God's grace as He kept me from getting injured.

"It was thrilling to see all the hard work pay off and even better to experience God's grace..."

This season, I am working on improving my game, and I'm excited about our team. Talent-wise, I think we have the ability to reach the Super Bowl. Time will tell.

What's more important, though, is continuing to grow in my faith. Like many athletes and believers in general, my favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." God is still teaching me to trust Him, regardless of the situation. He has been faithful in the past, and I know He will continue to be faithful in the future.

Are you ready to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ? If you are, pray and ask Him to come into your life as Lord and Savior. If you don't know what to say, try praying a prayer like this one: "Lord Jesus, I want to know You. I realize that I am a sinner and am in need of Your forgiveness. I do believe that You died on the cross to pay for my sins and that You rose from the grave to live again. Thank You for Your sacrifice and for Your unconditional love. I want to begin a life as Your child. Please come into my life and my heart. Save me from my sins and be the Lord of my life. I offer myself to You. In Your name I pray. Amen."

--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.

*Written with help from Joshua Cooley.
Photos courtesy of the Chicago Bears.