Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey, a cornerstone of the franchise’s legendary 1985 championship team and the trusted lead blocker for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, has died at the age of 68, according to confirmation from the team. Suhey passed away Sunday morning, though no further details regarding his death were immediately disclosed.
A Decade of Durability in Chicago
Drafted out of Penn State in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft, Suhey carved out a 10-year career with the Chicago Bears that was defined by grit, versatility, and remarkable durability. He appeared in 148 of a possible 152 regular-season games during his tenure in Illinois, starting 100 of those contests. Over his decade with the organization, Suhey rushed 828 times for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns, while adding 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and another five scores through the air. For his contributions to the franchise’s history, the Chicago Sun-Times ranked him No. 78 on its list of the 100 Greatest Bears of All Time during the team’s centennial celebration in 2019.
The Ultimate Shield for Walter Payton
While Suhey compiled solid individual statistics, his most enduring legacy in the NFL was forged through his unselfish work as the primary lead blocker for Walter Payton. Suhey blocked for Payton for eight seasons, helping the legendary running back establish the NFL career rushing record that stood until Emmitt Smith surpassed it on October 27, 2002. Their bond extended far beyond the white lines; Payton was the godfather to Suhey’s youngest son, Scott. In the NFL Network documentary series “A Football Life,” Payton’s son Jarrett recalled how Suhey operated as a protector for his father, absorbing hits to allow Payton to take the spotlight while remaining entirely selfless in the background.
Glory in Super Bowl XX
Suhey’s finest individual postseason moment arrived on the sport’s biggest stage during Super Bowl XX. As the Bears rolled to a dominant 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots to capture the only Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, Suhey cemented his name in the record books. He scored the game’s first touchdown on an 11-yard run in the first quarter, finishing the contest with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries alongside a 24-yard reception. Earlier that historic 1985 season—when Chicago finished with a dominant 15-1 regular-season record—Suhey finished second on the team in rushing with 471 yards, complementing Payton’s 1,551-yard, nine-touchdown campaign.
A Friendship That Endured Beyond the Gridiron
The profound connection between Suhey and Payton remained visible long after their playing days ended in the late 1980s, particularly during Payton’s battle with liver cancer. According to accounts from former Sun-Times columnist Rick Telander, Suhey stood by his close friend to soothe him and run interference against a swarming media horde as Payton’s health declined. Suhey was a central figure during the most successful modern era of Bears football, helping guide the franchise to five consecutive playoff appearances from 1984 through 1988 before concluding his professional playing career.
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