Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey dies at 68 of natural causes

Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey died over the weekend at his Deerfield, Illinois home, officials said. The Lake County Coroner’s Office confirmed that an initial police investigation found no suspicious circumstances and that his death would be recorded as natural causes, noting his significant medical history and ongoing care by a primary-care physician. > "Our preliminary investigation indicated that Mr. Suhey had a significant medical history and was being treated by a primary care physician," Lake County Coroner’s Office chief deputy Steve Newton said.

Suhey, 68, spent his entire ten-year NFL career with Chicago after joining the team in 1980. He was a key blocker for Walter Payton and contributed to the Bears’ 1985-86 Super Bowl victory, rushing for 52 yards and a touchdown in the championship game. Over his career he started 100 games, amassed 2,946 rushing yards with 20 touchdowns, and added 2,113 receiving yards and five receiving scores.

Former teammates, including safety Gary Fencik, remembered Suhey as a level-headed and valuable teammate. Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton’s son, posted a tribute describing Suhey as his father’s closest friend and a long-standing support to the Payton family.