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The Chicago Bears have had some prolific runners in their history, and three of them stand out among them all: Walter Payton, Gayle Sayers, and Matt Forte.
In their rookie years, each of them had productive numbers.
2008: Matt Forte: 1,238 rushing yards (previous team record)
1975: Walter Payton: 679 rushing yards
1965: Gayle Sayers: 867 rushing yards
But on Sunday in the Bears final game of the 2016 season, rookie Jordan Howard lunged ahead of Forte, claiming the Bears all-time rookie rushing record for himself.
In the second quarter versus the Minnesota Vikings, Howard took a handoff from Matt Barkley and rushed for 17 yards, bringing his current rushing total to 1,254 yards, and counting.
It’s also worth noting that Howard didn’t really get going this season until Week 3. He didn’t play in the season opener, and only had three rushes in Week 2.
Congratulations, Jordan Howard... onward and upward!