The 3-3 Chicago Bears have struggled at times this season, but their running back has remained consistent. Matt Forte has essentially become the entire Chicago offense. Through only six games, he has racked up nearly 1,000 yards of total offense. When he has not been able to get into a rhythm on the ground, Forte becomes a huge part of the passing game. Despite his success, the Bears’ offensive weapon is making only $600,000 this season.
When faced with a similar situation, we all know what some of the game’s other top runners would do. To his credit, Forte has not held out and has continued to work hard to earn a big pay day if he hits free agency at the end of the season. That does not, however, mean he feels no hostility toward the team.
“I’m glad teams are interested,” Forte told the Chicago Tribune when discussing rumors that the Bears have been entertaining trade offers for him. “For me to be out here working as hard as I do and not have a contract extension, you kind of get that feeling of being unappreciated. I just hope that when this year is over and I play as well as I’ve been playing, that if the Bears don’t reward me with a contract, another team will.”
Situations like this can go one of two ways. In Chris Johnson’s case, the Titans gave in. When Randy Moss felt unappreciated by the Patriots, we all know how that turned out. The difference between a guy like Forte and Moss is that Moss was already being paid megabucks but wanted more years on his deal. Forte takes the field every game and gives 100 percent despite the fact that he has basically yet to be paid. At this point it’s clear the Bears are either calling his bluff, or they don’t feel that Forte will be difficult to replace in the offseason. If he becomes frustrated enough to stop trying, 2011 could be over in a hurry for Chicago.
Helmet smack to Pro Football Talk for the story.
