INDIANAPOLIS _ Jets running back Matt Forte announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a 10-year career where he gained 9,796 yards with 54 touchdowns while playing for the Bears and the Jets.
"For the past 10 years, I've been blessed to play professionally, a game that I've loved since I was 6 years old," Forte said through his agent. "But after much prayer and reflection, I've decided to retire from the NFL. Like so many others before me, this game has enhanced my life in numerous ways. My career in the league has been nothing short of a miracle granted by God and put on display for his glory."
Forte, 32, finished the 2017 season on injured reserve because of knee problems. Yet Forte, told Newsday the week of the Super Bowl he was thinking about playing just one more season because he had some goals to achieve. Forte had career-lows in carries (103) and rushing yards (381) with just two touchdowns in 2017.
The Jets get $3 million in cap space with Forte's retirement. The Jets were expected to release Forte to go younger at the position, but now with his retirement, the team can focus on replacing him in the draft.
Bilal Powell led the Jets in rushing with 772 yards on 178 carries and two touchdowns last season.
"I'd like to thank the New York Jets organization for the past two years," Forte said. "My experience as a Jet was truly first rate."
Matt Forte finished his career 33rd all time in rushing yards. But he was fifth among active running backs with 9,796 yards before announcing his retirement on Wednesday.
