Matt Forte leaves message for Bears in empty locker

Bears running back Matt Forte left a message for the team in his empty locker on Monday.

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte left a message for the team in his empty locker on Monday, reports ChicagoFootball.com writer Nate Atkins.

The 30-year-old, who is set to become a free agent this offseason, left a shirt that reads “WORKHORSE” on the back of it, along with Forte’s No. 22.

“All my hard work, blood, sweat and tears are in this shirt, so I wanted to leave it,” Forte told reporters Monday.

Because the Bears have younger running backs in Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey, Chicago could allow Forte to explore free agency.

In eight NFL seasons, all with the Bears, Forte has 2,035 carries for 8,602 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns on the ground, as well as 487 receptions for 4,116 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns through the air. 

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A two-time Pro Bowler, Forte was a second round selection in the 2008 draft out of Tulane. 

He set an NFL record in 2014 for receptions by a running back with 102.