This Former NFL Couple Wants to ‘Mirror’ Christ’s Character to Their Children

Published: May 12, 2026

Matt Forte, Danielle Forte — CHICAGO, IL – MAY 16: Matt Forte and Danielle Forte attend the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation Gala on May 16, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation)

By Mallory Mattingly

Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte and his wife, Danielle, say parenting is all about “mirroring” God’s character to their children.

“A part of it was being a good mom, and when I say good, I mean mirroring His character with my kids,” Danielle shared on a Mother’s Day episode of the “Sports Spectrum” podcast. “Now I’m human, I will fail, but I also will apologize to my kids. But I think when I think about my kids, I want them to see an example of how Jesus loves us. He cares, and it’s unconditional, but there are also guardrails, there are boundaries, there’s teaching, but everything is done in love.”

“And I think, yeah, I want to be an example to other moms that whenever I walk out of the door, I’m mirroring Jesus and how I don’t want them to guess. I don’t want them to wonder, does she believe in Jesus? Does she love the Word of God? They should know simply by my demeanor,” she emphasized.

This year will mark 16 years of marriage for the Fortes, a relationship that has been built on the foundation of Jesus.

“You are cherished, you are loved and infinitely valued!!!! We love you @danielleforte8.28 You deserve it all with caviar on top,” Matt shared in a post on Instagram honoring his wife for Mother’s Day.

“You make it sooooo easy to celebrate you because you’re the true definition of God graciously giving me favor in this life. From the candid pics I take of you, to just watching in awe at you be a great mother and friend to others. We celebrate you today my love. You deserve it ALL,” he said in another post celebrating Danielle’s birthday.

Whether its his marriage, football or anything in between, Matt keeps his life grounded in Jesus.

“My faith in Christ and the Word of God has been the foundation of my life long before the NFL, through every season, and still today. One thing I know for sure: I am not the final product. God is still building me in my purpose,” he said on Instagram.

“1 Corinthians 3:11 reminds us that the foundation has already been laid, and that foundation is in Christ. What we build on it and what we build with matters, ” he continued. “Football gave me a platform. Faith gives me purpose. Be intentional about the foundation you’re building on. Seasons change, platforms fade, but Christ remains. Build on Him, and you’ll have something that lasts.”