Forte played college football for Tulane University, and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. 

Forte, along with Herschel Walker, became the first two players to have 700 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards in their first 4 seasons, and Forte is the first player in NFL history to have at least 900 yards rushing and 400 yard receiving. Forte was named to the 2012 Pro Bowl for the NFC squad.