Former NFL Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte is a devout Christian who openly credits his faith as the absolute foundation of his life. While he grew up in a religious household—his grandfather was a pastor for 60 years—Forte has shared that he initially viewed church as a routine or a "lucky asset" rather than a true relationship with God.
His perspective underwent a radical shift during his professional career:
- The Turning Point: In 2012, teammate Josh McCown invited him to a Christian conference for NFL players. Hearing a sermon by Tony Evans convicted Forte that he was treating Christianity as an "accessory" while chasing his own identity in sports stardom.
- Stripping the NFL Identity: Forte has noted that the final years of his football career with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets brought the deepest spiritual growth. He shares that God used that winding-down period to strip away his football identity so he wouldn't turn his job or success into an idol.
- Current Ministry and Media: Today, Forte describes himself as a "Christ-follower who used to play football". He actively uses his platform to share the Gospel, serving as a co-host on the Sports Spectrum podcast where he leads conversations on the intersection of faith, life, and sports. Together with his wife Danielle, he also focuses on family ministry and running his philanthropic organization, the What's Your Forte Foundation.
