Matt Forte and Devin Hester to Sign 1-Day Contracts and Retire with Chicago Bears

Matt Forte. Photo by Christopher Szagola/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Former Chicago Bears players, running back Matt Forte and return specialist Devin Hester will sign one-day contracts on Monday with the team so they can retire as members of the Bears organization. Both Forte and Hester spent first eight years of their professional careers with the Bears.

Matt Forte was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of 2008 NFL Draft, becoming a starter in his rookie season and earning PFWA All-Rookie Team selection. During his time with the organization, Forte was named to Pro-Bowl on two occasions, in 2011 and 2014. He spent his final two seasons in NFL with the New York Jets, before announcing his retirement in February 2018. Forte is currently second on the Bears’ all-time lists for rushing yards, yards from scrimmage, receptions and 100-yard games sitting behind Hall of Famer Walter Payton.

Devin Hester, who was also a second round pick but in the 2006 NFL Draft, is considered as the greatest return specialists to ever play in the NFL. The Bears originally drafted Hester as a cornerback, but he established himself as a kick and punt returner early on while playing wide receiver at the later stages of his career. He currently holds numerous NFL records, including most kickoff and punt return career touchdowns (19), most non-offensive touchdowns in a season (6), and most non-offensive career touchdowns (20). Hester was also the first person ever to return back the opening kick of the Super Bowl for a touchdown. He announced his retirement from professional football in December 2017.

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