Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte has a laugh on the bench in the 4th quarter of a preseason game against the Chargers at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiMembers of the Chicago Bears Drum Line celebrate after Matt Forte scored a touchdown against the Lions.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte waves to quarterback Jay Cutler as he talks with reporters after arriving for training camp. ,
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiMatt Forte runs the ball in the second quarter against the Buccanners.
Phil Velasquez, baiduhaiMatt Forte introduced through some smoke for effect at a night practice at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte scores on a 4th quarter run to give the Bears a 41-24 lead over the Lions at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte walks off the field following his team's 24-20 loss to the Lions at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte works out before the game against the Broncos at Soldier Field. He didn't play.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiBears quarterback Jay Cutler celebrates with running back Matt Forte after a Forte touchdown in the first half against the Giants at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte during 41-21 the Bears' win over the Colts at Soldier Field.
Adam Wolffbrandt, baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates after getting a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Ravens.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte is tackled by the 49ers in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
Anthony Souffle, baiduhaiMatt Forte looks to cut around the Falcons' Kemal Ishmael as he ran the ball during the first half.
Jose M. Osorio, baiduhaiMatt Forte signs autographs for fans following practice at training camp.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiJay Cutler slings a pass to Matt Forte on the Bears final drive of the game against the Seahawks at Qwest Field.
Anthony Souffle, baiduhaiBuccaneers head coach Lovie Smith greets Matt Forte at the end of the game at Soldier Field.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiMatt Forte during warm ups before facing the Green Bay Packers.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte warms up before facing the Lions on Monday Night Football.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte stretches and warms up at OTA practice at Halas Hall.
John Smierciak, baiduhaiMatt Forte stiff arms the Buccaneers' Sabby Piscitelli in the second half of the 2008 home opener.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiThe Bills' Keith Rivers breaks up a pass intended for Matt Forte near the goal line during the second half.
Anthony Souffle / baiduhaiMatt Forte runs the ball around the Seahawks' Cary Williams during the first quarter.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiMatt Forte rushes during the first quarter against the Packers on Thanksgiving.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte runs past the Lions defense for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiMatt Forte breaks free on a long run in the second half of a game against the Green Bay Packers.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte heads to the locker room after getting injured during the second half against the Vikings at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte carries the 4th phase flag out at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte carries the ball against the Panthers' Luke Kuechly during the second quarter.
E. Jason Wambsgans, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte spends time with his daughter Nala while receiveing a deep tissue thai massage from massage therapist Sarah Bach at his home.
Nam Y. Huh, APBears quarterback Jay Cutler hands off to running back Matt Forte during a training camp practice.
Anthony Souffle / baiduhaiChicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) signs autographs for fans after practice on the Bears Family Fest day Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Anthony Souffle/baiduhai)
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte smiles with linebacker Brian Urlacher during the first quarter against the Panthers.
Michael Conroy / APMatt Forte rushes against the Cardinals during the first half.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiThe 49ers' Jaquiski Tartt grabs Matt Forte in the fourth quarter.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiMatt Forte fumbles but catches the ball on a run in the second quarter against the Lions.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte makes a big gain on the ground in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiMatt Forte runs as the Raiders' Charles Woodson makes the tackle in the first quarter at Soldier Field.
Phil Velasquez, baiduhaiMatt Forte chats with the media after arriving at Bears training camp in 2012.
Michael Conroy, Associated PressTulane running back waits to run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte scores on a 50-yard touchdown run in the third quarter against the Redskins at FedEx Field.
Jamie Squire / Getty ImagesMatt Forte runs the ball at Arrowhead Stadium against the Chiefs.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiMatt Forte heads to the locker room after a loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiPackers linebacker Nate Palmer loses his helmet as Matt Forte scores a touchdown during the first half of their game.
Jim Prisching, baiduhaiMatt Forte is stopped just short of the endzone in the 4th quarter during the Bears' 27-23 victory over the Lions.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte scores a touchdown ahead of the Cardinals' Kerry Rhodes in the second quarter.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte at a Bulls-Grizzles game at the United Center.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Lions.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesMatt Forte carries the football in the third quarter against the Vikings at Soldier Field on Nov. 1, 2015.
Stacey Wescott, baiduhaiMatt Forte is brought down by the Vikings' Audie Cole in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium.
John J. Kim / baiduhaiJay Cutler celebrates as running back Matt Forte scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Lions at Ford Field.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte attends the Bears Care Gala at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte works out before the game against the Broncos at Soldier Field. He didn't play.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte during a 37-yard touchdown run against the Lions at Soldier Field.
Jose M. Osorio, baiduhaiMatt Forte runs after a catch as the Packers' Morgan Burnett and Datone Jones look on in the third quarter at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte goes down with a knee injury in the first quarter of a game at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte scores the two-point conversion during the 4th quarter of a 22-19 win over the Bills at Rogers Centre.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte has a laugh while warming up for a preseason game against the Browns at Soldier Field.
Jose M. Osorio, baiduhaiMatt Forte rushes against the Vikings in the third quarter at the Mall of America Field.
Matt Marton, APBears running back Matt Forte, center, during practice drills at the organized team activity at Halas Hall.
Charles Rex Arbogast, APBears running back Matt Forte works out during a minicamp practice at Halas Hall.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates with fans after beating the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte makes a big run in the fourth quarter against the Packers' Clay Matthews in the 2011 NFC Championship game at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiMatt Forte high-fives fans before walking off the field following his team's 24-20 loss to the Lions at Soldier Field.
Jose M. Osorio, baiduhaiMatt Forte scores a touchdown against the Cowboys in the fourth quarter.
John Smierciak, baiduhaiMatt Forte at Bears training camp in 2008.
Matt Marton, APBears running back Matt Forte poses with fans after a practice at Halas Hall.
Alex Brandon / APMatt Forte is stopped by the Vikings' Andrew Sendejo during the first half.
Jos M. Osorio, baiduhaiA big gain for Matt Forte against the Lions in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. The Bears beat the Lions 37-23.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte takes a pass from Bears quarterback Jay Cutler in front of the Bengals' Leon Hall during the second half.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiNew dad Matt Forte cradles the ball like a baby after scoring a touchdown against the 49ers.
John J. Kim, baiduhaiMatt Forte falls after being tackled in the fourth quarter against the 49ers at Candlestick Park.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte is upended by the Texans' Johnathan Joseph in the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte at Cowboys Stadium.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte is tackled on a pass play in the first half against the Packers.
John J. Kim, baiduhaiMatt Forte is taken down by the Rams' Alec Ogletree in the fourth quarter.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates after scoring rushing touchdown against the Packers at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte (celebrates his touchdown against the Jets during the first quarter of their game at the Soldier Field.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiMatt Forte runs the ball during the second half against the Lions at Ford Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte stands on the sidelines during the final minutes of his team's Week 2 loss to the Cardinals.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates a rushing touchdown in the first quarter against the Panthers at Soldier Field.
Charles Rex Arbogast / APMatt Forte runs the ball during the second half against the Vikings.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte carries for some yardage while keeping away the Packers' B.J. Raji during the second quarter at Lambeau Field.
Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesMatt Forte carries the football in the second quarter against the Vikings at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte throws a 4th quarter interception during a 35-24 win over the Seahawks in the NFC playoffs.
Keith Myers / TNSA Jay Cutler pass to Matt Forte with 18 seconds left in the game put the Bears ahead 18-17 for a win over the Chiefs.
Anthony Souffle, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte cuts though the Packers defense during the second half.
Brian Cassella / baiduhaiMatt Forte leaves the field after the Bears beat the Buccaneers 26-21.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte is congratulated by offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer after the game in which Forte surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte scores his second touchdown of the first quarter against the Panthers.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiMatt Forte scores a two point conversion during the second half against the Lions at Ford Field.
Anthony Souffle, baiduhaiMatt Forte gains yards during the first quarter against the Buccaneers.
Jos M. Osorio, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte talks with head coach Marc Trestman in between drills at training camp.
Anthony Souffle / baiduhaiMatt Forte dodges a tackle from the Redskins' Kyshoen Jarrett in the first half.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte catches the game-winning touchdown in the 4th quarter of the Bears' 19-14 win over the Lions.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiMatt Forte is wrapped by the Chiefs defense in the fourth quarter.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte signs a ball as kids line up for autographs at the end of Bears Family Fest at Soldier Field.
Anthony Souffle / baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte talks to the media following OTA practice at Halas Hall.
M. Spencer Green, Associated PressMatt Forte is tackled by the Steelers' William Gay and James Farrior in the second quarter.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte runs for yardage against hte Packers' Desmond Bishop.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte can't make a catch as the Texans' Glover Quin defends in the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte rushes for a touchdown against the Panthers at Soldier Field.
Ronald Martinez, Getty ImagesTulane running back Matt Forte #25runs the ball against Mississippi State's Gabe O'Neal.
Jim Prisching, baiduhaiMatt Forte looks for running room during the Bears' 27-24 loss in overtime to the Bucaneers at Soldier Field.
Michael Conroy / APMatt Forte is stopped by the Cardinals' Tyrann Mathieu and Josh Mauro during the second half.
Chris Walker, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte appears dressed for the weather at a news conference at Halas Hall.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte takes a knee in the end zone after the game in which he surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards.
Jos M. Osorio, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte after a reception for a long gain as the Colts' Tom Zbikowski makes the tackle in the second quarter at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte celebrates a touchdown at Soldier Field.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiMatt Forte runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates a touchdown against the Bengals in the third quarter.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte heads up the field as the Lions' Don Carey tries to make a tackle in the first quarter at Ford Field.
Anthony Souffle / baiduhaiMatt Forte celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Redskins.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiJay Cutler celebrates as Matt Forte scores rushing touchdown against the Packers at Soldier Field.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte sits on turf after a second quarter run against the Seahawks at Qwest Field.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte is tackled by the Raiders' Aaron Curry in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum.
John J. Kim, baiduhaiRams defensive end Robert Quinn reaches Matt Forte before Jermon Bushrod (74) can protect in the third quarter at Edward Jones Dome.
Chris McGrath, Getty ImagesMatt Forte looks on during the "Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Year" press conference at the Tampa Convention Center.
Armando L. Sanchez / baiduhaiThe 49ers' Eric Reid and NaVorro Bowman tackle Bears running back Matt Forte during the second half.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte runs against the defense of the Cowboys.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte tries to run through the tackle of the Bengals' Vontaze Burfict at Soldier Field.
Chris Sweda, baiduhaiMatt Forte is taken down by the Lions' Don Carey in the 4th quarter at Soldier Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte leaps over the Colts' Bob Sanders during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte on his way to a second quarter touchdown against the Lions.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiBears running backs Senorise Perry, Jacquizz Rodgers, Matt Forte and Ka'Deem Carey after the first training camp practice.
Scott Strazzante, baiduhaiMatt Forte scores on 89-yard screen pass in 2nd quarter against Lions at Soldier Field.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte and Jay Cutler at minicamp in 2013.
Brian Cassella, baiduhaiMatt Forte breaks free for a long touchdown in the first quarter in the 2011 season opener against the Falcons.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte extends himself for some extra yardage and away from the Packers' Jamari Lattimore during the second half.
Tasos Katopodis, Getty ImagesPink Model Elsa and Matt Forte attends VS Pink Chicago NFL on December 6, 2011.
Jim Prisching, baiduhaiMatt Forte heads upfield during a preseason game against the 49ers at Soldiers Field.
Nuccio DiNuzzo, baiduhaiMatt Forte jokes around during training camp in Bourbonnais.
Jose M. Osorio / baiduhaiMatt Forte takes a direct snap from center for a rush against the Vikings.
Chris Sweda / baiduhaiChicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) gives a "thumbs up" before the start of a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field in Chicago on Thursday, August 13, 2015. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)
Phil Velasquez, baiduhaiMatt Forte speaks with the media after arriving at training camp at Olivet Nazarene University.
Nuccio DiNuzzo / baiduhaiMatt Forte is brought down by a score of Buccaneers players during the first half.
Jos M. Osorio, baiduhaiMatt Forte runs with a ball as it is attached to a rubber band pulled by running back Michael Bush during a drill at training camp.
Anthony Souffle, baiduhaiMatt Forte makes a move around the Buccaneers' Johnthan Banks during the second half.
Nam Y. Huh, APBears running back Matt Forte runs off the field following a preseason game against the Dolphins at Soldier Field.
Phil Velasquez, baiduhaiMatt Forte shows up at training camp in 2012.
Nam Y. Huh / APBears running back Matt Forte (22) runs to the field as he is introduced before a game against the Raiders at Soldier Field.
Terrence Antonio James, baiduhaiBears running back Matt Forte coaches players from Tilden High School.
Chris Sweda, baiduhai
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Matt Forte has a laugh on the bench in the 4th quarter of a preseason game against the Chargers at Soldier Field.
ExpandBy Chris Sosa
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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At least one Matt Forte fan is taking her support to a new level as the running back’s future with the Bears remains uncertain.
As of Wednesday afternoon, a petition on Change.org to keep Forte in a Bears uniform started by Kelsi Mugnaini of Land O’ Lakes, Wis., had 55 signatures. Land O’ Lakes is about 350 miles from Chicago.
Following the Bears’ season-concluding loss to Detroit on Sunday at Soldier Field, Forte spent extra time high-fiving and spending time with fans. And when the pending free agent left the team’s practice facility Tuesday, he cleaned out his locker and left only a T-shirt with his number and “work horse” on the back.
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Not that the White House has any say in whom the Bears sign, but a petition needs at least 100,000 signatures in 30 days to receive an official response from the Obama administration. That said, the president is a die-hard Bears fan.
You can view the petition here.
Chris Sosa is RedEye’s sports editor. @redeyesportschi