Bears’ Matt Forte unloads Florida home for $2.33 million

Matt Forte, the starting tailback for the Chicago Bears, has sold a Windermere, Fla., home previously owned by NBA star Dwight Howard for $2.33 million.

After his rookie season with the Orlando Magic, Howard paid $2.499 million for the custom Mediterranean in 2005. He sold the property in 2011 for $2.27 million. Forte bought the 7,796-square-foot home in December 2013 for $2.25 million.

Set beneath tall palms, a lagoon-style pool with a spa and swim-up bar lend to the resort-like quality of the home, which occupies nearly an acre in the affluent community. The two-story tower entry has arched doorways that lead through a groin-vault gallery and into a grand salon with 22-foot ceilings and a tall stone fireplace.

Among the features is a chef’s kitchen with an oversized island, a formal dining room and a home theater complete with a marquee and stadium seating. The master suite, one of four bedrooms and 5.5 baths, sports a large walk-in closet, a whirlpool tub and an office.

Sliding-glass walls open onto an outdoor patio with a barbecue area. Adjacent to the pool is a fire pit and a detached guesthouse.

Now in his seventh season with the Bears, Forte has been one of the most productive NFL tailbacks since being drafted by Chicago in 2008. A two-time Pro Bowler, his 1,339 rushing yards last season trailed only LeSean McCoy (1,607).

Public records show that the running back listed the home for sale in April at $2.5 million. Julie Bettosini of Stockworth Realty Group was the listing agent. Wendy Morris of Wendy Morris Realty represented the buyer in the sale.

Twitter: @NJLeitereg