More Than an Athlete: Matt and Danielle Forte on Faith, Writing, Marriage, and Finding Purpose After Sports
Oct 24, 2024
auto_awesome
Former NFL running back Matt Forte, known for his impactful career with the Chicago Bears, joins his wife Danielle Forte, author and co-founder of 828 Lifestyle, for an inspiring discussion. They dive deep into balancing faith and family amidst the pressures of professional sports. Matt reflects on his journey through the NFL, while Danielle shares her struggle with identity beyond being a 'trophy wife.' They also discuss their children's book, 'My Hair Can,' emphasizing the importance of celebrating individuality and faith in overcoming challenges.
Matt Forte emphasizes the role of faith in maintaining identity and purpose beyond the pressures of professional athletics.
Danielle Forte discusses overcoming the challenges of being a spouse to an athlete by cultivating her own identity rooted in Christ.
Deep dives
Clarification on Podcast Dynamics
Amidst some confusion regarding the podcast's production, it is clarified that the producer, Mike, is not fired and remains a vital part of the team. The host, Esau McCauley, addresses audience concerns stemming from a prior episode where he expressed dissatisfaction with the choices of Lecrae lyrics. In a light-hearted manner, he engages guests Matt and Danielle Forte in playful banter about Mike's role, ultimately creating a more inviting atmosphere. This segment exemplifies the show's informal and engaging style, allowing listeners to connect personally with the hosts and guests.
Chicago Experiences to Explore
The Fortes share their top four must-visit experiences for anyone traveling to Chicago, showcasing the city's rich culture and attractions. They highlight the DuSable Museum for its historical significance, Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, and the Field Museum for its impressive exhibits. For food enthusiasts, they recommend dining at Maple and Ash for a lavish meal or Harold's Chicken for a more budget-friendly option. This segment provides listeners with practical tips for exploring Chicago, reflecting the guests' personal favorites.
Role of Faith in Sports and Life
Matt Forte shares how his Christian faith played an essential role throughout his sports career, reflecting on the spiritual foundation instilled by his upbringing in a Christian household. He emphasizes that while professional athletes often face immense pressure to succeed, their worth is not defined by their performance on the field but by their relationship with God. Matt discusses the importance of maintaining faith in the face of adversity, noting how it helped him navigate the ups and downs of a decade in the NFL. This insight serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual grounding amidst life's challenges.
Transitioning Beyond Sports
The conversation shifts to the challenges athletes face after retiring, particularly regarding their identity and purpose beyond sports. Matt expresses his excitement about life after football, focusing on how to leverage his experiences to guide other athletes through their own transitions. He highlights the critical need for maintaining a strong spiritual connection to navigate this new phase of life successfully. Danielle contributes by discussing how their marriage has thrived through consistent communication and mutual support, emphasizing the importance of a shared identity beyond professional achievements.
Former NFL running back, Matt Forte, and his wife Danielle Fortet sit down with Esau talk about the challenges of balancing professional athletics with faith, marriage, and family life. Matt reflects on his NFL career, the pressures of performing on the field, and how his faith guided him through the highs and lows. Danielle shares her journey of finding her identity beyond being a “trophy wife,” discussing the unique challenges faced by spouses of professional athletes and how her relationship with Christ kept her grounded.
They also talk about their children’s book, My Hair Can, inspired by their daughter’s experience with racism and is an encouraging reminder for young readers about loving their hair, respecting differences, and celebrating their God-given uniqueness.
My Hair Can - https://www.amazon.com/My-Hair-Can-Matt-Fort%C3%A9/dp/1496480899
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode