Bears Blitz

Matt Forte: Bears Running Back Would Be Crazy to Suit Up in Pro Bowl

Published by Eric Ball on January 19, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears

Matt Forte just went all in with a pair of two’s when he was already the winner.

The Chicago Bears running back is set to be a free agent once the league calendar flips over in March and is coming off an MCL sprain against the Kansas City Chiefs in early December. It kept him out of the remaining four games of the regular season and was essentially the nail in the coffin on the Bears’ season.

For some reason, he wants to play in next week’s Pro Bowl now that he’s been cleared by doctors according to Profootballtalk.com.

Forte (997 yards rushing, three rushing touchdowns and 490 yards receiving and one receiving TD) had a tremendous season for Chicago and would have likely finished in the top five in rushing yards if it weren’t for the injury….hence why he was selected to the Pro Bowl.

But now his only concern should be on securing a lucrative long-term contract. The Bears really angered him during the regular season by suggesting the one-year franchise tag to ensure that he returns for another season.

Recently, Forte suggested he would “be hard to find” in training camp if the team was to in fact franchise him.

It’s going to be an interesting offseason for Forte that will potentially set up his financial future for the rest of his life. So why in the world would you risk it all to play in the Pro Bowl, the most meaningless game this side of the Beef O’Brady Bowl?

Nothing positive could come from playing in the game. Scouts don’t care, coaches don’t care and even the players don’t care. It’s a gloried game of two-hand touch.

Risking a severe setback with his injury all for running for 50 yards and a TD in the Pro Bowl?

Hmmmmm.

It’s a very easy decision to make and despite having to skip a trip to Hawaii, there is no reason to risk the biggest payday of your life on a game that essentially ties the fans over as they await the Super Bowl.

If I’m Forte’s agent, I take the next flight to wherever Forte is located and beg for him to stay at home. There is simply too much on the line.