On Friday, running back Matt Forte announced that the Chicago Bears would not pursue him in free agency, meaning his career in Chicago will come to an end. Forte has played for the Bears for his entire career, which began in 2008. Forte said that, “I will remain forever grateful for my time spent in Chicago,” and that his only regret was “not being able to win a Lombardi trophy for the best fans in all of sports.”

It is a simple fact that players move around in sports. It is difficult when, as a fan, a player becomes a fixture on the team. They become something more than a player. It doesn’t seem right if they are not on the field with that team.

I know this will be the case next season. What makes it particularly difficult is that the Bears did not have very good seasons with Forte on the team. Of the eight years he was on the team, the Bears finished below .500 three times, and were at .500 twice. But through the ups and downs, Forte was the rock for this team.

Bears fans have prayed for consistency from our quarterback, our defense, and pretty much every position on both sides of the football. But Forte has done his job year in and year out. Forte mentioned that he was sorry he could not bring Chicago a Lombardi Trophy. I think that deserves thanks for sticking around as long as he did. And for doing everything he could to get us even close.

This past season, former Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was booed when he returned to Philly with his new team, the Buffalo Bills. I thought it was a disgusting show of fan ignorance. He did not choose to leave the city, the organization made the decision to trade him.

I don’t know where Matt Forte will end up after free agency. But wherever he goes, it is likely he will return to Soldier Field in a different jersey. When he makes that trip back home, there should be nothing but cheers for him. He did not leave the Bears; the Bears chose to leave him.

So I hope everyone who roots for the Monsters of the Midway will stand up and cheer if Forte ever returns home. He played his heart out for Chicago, and we loved him when he did it. It will be hard, but I know that I will continue to root for him no matter what team he plays for.

He was great for the city, and he was great for the team. It will hurt to see him play in a color other than orange and blue, but I wish him luck all the same.