Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to weigh in on the persistent problem of violent crime in the city, pushing back against what he described as cynical and dehumanizing attitudes that have crept into public discussion.
The conversation began with a viral exchange between rappers joking about isolating violent offenders in a fictional “Crash Out City,” a proposal Forte flatly rejected as both unserious and morally corrosive. While acknowledging the frustration and hopelessness behind such rhetoric, Forte argued that it reflects a deeper failure to address the root causes of violence rather than a serious attempt at solutions. He said ideas that treat human life as disposable ignore the deeper spiritual, cultural, and moral breakdown driving crime in many neighborhoods.
Forte emphasized accountability, particularly among cultural influencers, saying music and messaging that glorify violence inevitably shape young minds. He noted that while he enjoys rap music, he is mindful of the responsibility that comes with words and influence, especially in communities already struggling with cycles of poverty and crime. According to Forte, changing laws or relocating offenders without changing hearts simply relocates the problem.
Drawing from his upbringing in Louisiana and his experiences in the NFL, Forte described how faith, family, and real-life experiences shaped his understanding of purpose and responsibility. He credited his parents and church background for providing a moral foundation, but said it was exposure to temptation, fame, and loss that ultimately deepened his convictions. One pivotal moment he recalled was the murder of a Tulane teammate, an experience that left a lasting impression of how violence devastates families and communities far beyond the immediate victim.
Forte said his time in Chicago reinforced his sense that he was called to do more than play football. That belief led him to launch the What’s Your Forte Foundation, which works with young people across the city to expand their sense of possibility beyond athletics or street culture. The foundation introduces participants to a wide range of careers and life experiences, including exposure to nature, media production, and other professions rarely visible in their daily lives.
He also discussed his work with Pro Athletes Outreach, which focuses on helping professional athletes transition successfully after their playing careers end. Forte noted that many athletes struggle after retirement, facing high rates of divorce, financial instability, and loss of identity. He said sports instill discipline, sacrifice, and work ethic, but without purpose and faith, those traits can go unused once the cheering stops.
Throughout the interview, Forte returned to the idea that lasting change comes from inner transformation rather than surface-level fixes. He argued that violence, despair, and identity crises stem from lives lived without purpose, and that faith provides clarity that material success and fame cannot. He said his new book, Stay in the Game: Making the Most of Every Season, reflects that philosophy, encouraging readers to view life as a series of seasons that require adaptability, humility, and long-term perspective.
Forte also offered an optimistic note on the Chicago Bears, praising the team’s growth and resilience this season and predicting they could make a serious run if momentum continues. Still, he stressed that wins on the field matter less than victories off it, particularly when it comes to helping young people and former athletes build meaningful lives.
The interview underscored Forte’s belief that Chicago’s crime problem cannot be solved through slogans or shock proposals, but through accountability, mentorship, faith, and a renewed commitment to the value of every human life.