The Chicago Bears signed Matt Forte to a four-year contract, ending any chance of the Pro Bowl running back holding out to start the 2012 NFL season, the team said on Monday (Tuesday, PHL time).

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the Bears but several media reports said Forte's contract is worth about $32 million.

"We're very pleased that we were able to come to terms on a four-year extension with Matt," Chicago Bears General Manager Phil Emery said in a statement. "We're excited to get him on the field and continue working towards our goal of winning a championship."

Forte, who missed the final month of last season with a sprained right knee, rushed for three touchdowns and a team-leading 997 yards during the 2011 NFL campaign.

His injury, which came two weeks after starting quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a season-ending injury, was a major blow for a Bears team that struggled down the stretch and failed to make the playoffs.

Forte, selected in the second round by Chicago in the 2008 NFL Draft, is the only player in league history with 900 rushing yards and 400 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons.

"I've been working hard this offseason and am looking forward to joining my teammates at training camp next week," said Forte. "I'm glad the business part is done and we can all turn our attention to football and our goal of winning a championship." - Reuters