Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte confirms he won't miss 2012 regular season - NFL News
The impasse between Chicago Bears and their running back, Matt Forte, over a new long term deal continues with no end in sight.
Chicago Bears placed Forte on a franchise tender earlier in the offseason as they failed to agree on a new contract in time, however, the running back has still not signed the tender and held out of the team’s minicamp and organised team activities.
Even though it remains uncertain whether Forte will participate in the Bears training camp the running back all but ruled out missing out on the 2012 season in a recent chat with the press.
The running back was participating in a charity event at Marist High School to raise funds for Cure It Foundation, which provides support to children suffering from paediatric cancer.
Briefly touching upon his contract situation with the Bears, Forte told reporters that he will be present in the line-up this season.
He said:
"I don't think I really have a choice, do I? Yeah, I'll be here."
Adding further he said:
"It's going to be a fun season.”
Both parties have till July 16th to agree on a new deal failing which Forte will be forced to play on the franchise tender which will pay him $ 7.749 million this season.
Forte said that he was looking forward to once again play with his teammates and talk to them about the new offence shaping up in Chicago.
"I'm excited to get in there and talk to Mr. (Jeremy) Bates and get in there with Jay (Cutler) and see what he thinks about the passing game, and see how I can get involved in that, too.”
The running back went on to talk about his offseason training which he conducted privately with his trainer.
He said:
"I've been lifting a little harder this offseason and running more. Just because I was able to heal a lot earlier having to sit out the last four games and having that time, and I was able to heal from the other injuries."
It seems likely that both the Bears and Forte will agree on a new deal soon and the Bears fans will see their best running back from last season once again in a Bears uniform.
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