Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey dies at 68

Matt Suhey, a former fullback for the Chicago Bears, died on Sunday at the age of 68. He spent his entire ten-year NFL career with the Bears, appearing in 148 games, rushing for 2,946 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. Suhey was a member of the 1985 Bears team that won Super Bowl XX, contributing an 11-yard touchdown in the 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots.

Suhey’s primary role on the field was to block for running back Walter Payton, a partnership that later extended off the field. After both players retired—Payton in 1987 and Suhey two seasons later—they drifted apart but reconnected during Payton’s battle with cancer. According to a 2024 report, Suhey would drive Payton to medical appointments and run errands, spending time together at Payton’s home.

Connie Payton, Walter’s widow, said, "Walter was a loner. There weren't a lot of people he would hang out with. I knew Matt was special to him and near to his heart because he allowed him to be in his space."

Before joining the NFL, Suhey played four seasons at Penn State, where he accumulated 3,146 yards from scrimmage and 28 touchdowns in 42 games. He was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft.