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As TechChicago Week 2025 drew to a close, one of the most powerful moments came not from a pitch deck or panel but from a fireside chat rooted in faith, purpose, and legacy. Hosted on Eventnoire, the event and digital media platform for discovering culture-driven experiences, this finale featured a soul-stirring conversation between tech founder Claude Cimeus and former NFL star Matt Forté.
From the moment Forté began sharing, it was clear this wasn’t just about touchdowns and stats, it was about staying grounded in a city known for its grit. “Playing in Chicago takes a certain level of resilience. It’s cold. It’s gritty. You can’t fake it,” he said, reflecting on the city that shaped his character as much as his career.
The two discussed how success is a rollercoaster, and true strength lies in navigating both the highs and lows with integrity. For Forté, faith is the anchor. “Your identity can’t be wrapped up in what you do, because what you do will end. So you have to go beyond what you do and look within.”
Beyond football, Forté emphasized how he now validates opportunities by mission, not money. His focus? Long-term community impact. “I care most about things that align with my purpose. If it doesn’t uplift people who look like me or improve the communities that need it most, I’m not interested,” he shared.
They also touched on the sobering reality of professional athletes: a significant number of NFL players go broke or face divorce post-career. Forté’s message was clear, figure out who you are off the field, and make sure you’re building something that lasts beyond the spotlight because it can all go just as fast.
That’s exactly why he launched What’s Your Forté Foundation in 2013, a 501(c)(3) and their vision is to be a powerful lever for social change, that facilitates transformational development on the South and West sides of the city of Chicago. Through mentorship, programming, and exposure, he’s helping young people not just dream about making a difference but being the difference.
As the night came to a close, Forté revealed he’s authoring a memoir titled Stay in the Game: Making the Most of Every Season, now available for preorder. It promises to be an honest blueprint for navigating life with character, even when the lights go out.
This moment was more than a Tech Week sendoff, it was a reminder that impact, like technology, should always evolve for the better.
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