Matt Forte proved again last season that he's one of the league's most versatile and productive running backs. His contemporaries obviously agree, ranking him the No. 33 on the NFL Network's "The Top 100: Players of 2012."
And while praise from fellow players and publicity from the league's network are surely nice, Forte still seems miles away from a long-term deal with the Chicago Bears.
Bears linebacker Lance Briggs backed Forte on Wednesday when he told a radio station, "He isn't letting any of the teammates down because it's Matt's life."
In an appearance on the "The Top 100" after show, Forte discussed the situation that's unfortunately become the chief narrative of his NFL existence.
"It's unfortunate that the organization (can) treat it as a business, when the player does he gets frowned upon," he said. "But you have to make due with what's best for you and your family. All my teammates know I'm going to be there for them and give them the best in my heart out there on the field."
Forte was asked by Lindsay Rhodes if he wants to be the NFL's highest-paid back.
"Definitely not," he said. "I just want to be given a contract where I rank among some of the top running backs. Not the top paid or anything like that. I just want to be recognized as one of the best."
With Michael Bush in the fold and the Bearsreportedly concerned about the durability of Forte's knees, it could be wishful thinking.
