Slidell to honor Matt Forte at halftime Friday night

Former Slidell High star Matt Forte will be honored at halftime of Friday night’s District 6-5A contest between Slidell and Northshore at L.V. McGinty Stadium. He was recently elected to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame for 2023 induction.

At Slidell, Forte earned St. Tammany Parish Player of the Year and district Most Valuable Player honors in his senior season as an All-Metro performer. He was named second team all-state honors as well, rushing for 1,375 yards and 23 touchdowns while also catching 18 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

Slidell retired Forte’s No. 25 in 2016.

Forte amassed 4,265 yards rushing with 39 touchdowns and caught 103 passes for 985 yards and five touchdowns for the Tigers in his outstanding career. He had 15 games with 100 yards or more rushing. Forte also lettered in track and field and was an honor student at Slidell.

In a terrific career at Tulane, he played four seasons (2004-07) in 43 games. Forte had 83 carries for 4,265 yards and 39 touchdowns and caught 103 passes for 985 yards and five touchdowns. Named the school’s male Student-Athlete of the Year in 2007, he remains the second leading rusher in Tulane history and the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns.

A second-round draft pick of Chicago in 2008, Forte played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Bears and New York Jets, playing in 146 games. He rushed 2,356 times for 9.796 yards and 54 touchdowns and had 554 receptions for 4,672 yards and 21 touchdowns. Forte earned Pro Bowl honors in 2011 and 2013.

Slidell has won eight straight games and has already clinched the 2022 District 6-5A championship.