Matt Forte was known as being an offensive-producing weapon during his 10-year NFL career as a running back. He now begins a career in sports media as a co-host of The Sports Spectrum podcast combining faith and sports in an interview setting.
The two-time Pro Bowler said he’s always respected the media and the way they go about things.
“I’ve always had an appreciation — I’ll say that, for the media because if they’re interviewing you and they’re asking you questions — although there’s other motives and agendas sometimes depending on where you are, I’ve been in Chicago and New York media market — but for the most part, you get to know the reporters, you get to know the journalists because they care,” Forte said on Sports Media with Richard Deitsch.
Forte said their curiosity and the ability to give it out to the masses created an affinity for the sports media landscape, but notices there are those who have the “what can you do for me now” mentality. (Ahem — fantasy football)
There’s one skill Forte possesses that helps this new venture that doesn’t involve producing on the grid iron.
“It came to me as an affinity because I like to listen, and listen and hear people and also ask them questions as they talk,” Forte continued. “I feel like I’m a really good listener, my wife may not agree with that all the way, but I do feel like I’m a really good listener and when I’m hosting the podcast, I like to listen to someone’s story.”
Those in the football world have credited Forte’s leadership. Brandon Marshall, who played with Forte on the New York Jets in 2016 told NFL.com, “he’s the type of guy you want in your locker room.”
Forte would spend Saturdays in the summer going to Englewood to coach flag football. He’d work with the local kids in the area teaching them the X’s and O’s about football.
A mother to one of the kids, Deborah Ellis, said it was a powerful thing to have Forte there.
“It’s hard to find someone with the heart who really cares for African-American kids,” she told Eli Kaberon in 2015. “Especially in society today, with all of the killing and the shooting and everything else, he still finds something positive to do. It’s truly appreciated.”
Forte also talked about the art of asking questions. How it’s not all about the prep. The follow-ups and in-depth talks can change and entire conversation.
“Also just to really make the most of the platform that they have,” Forte said. “I want to highlight that and I know from being on the other side, sometimes you only get asked questions where you can only talk about certain things, and so from this perspective, I want to allow the athlete or coach — or whoever it is to use the platform and use it to tell their own story.”
[Sports Media with Richard Deitsch, NFL.com, ChicagoBears.com]
