Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey has passed away at the age of 68. A vital member of the 1985 NFL championship team, Suhey was a cornerstone of the Chicago offense for a decade.
The "bodyguard" behind Walter Payton’s rushing records
Suhey’s legacy is inextricably linked to Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.. While Payton garnered the national spotlight, the source reports that Suhey served as the primary lead blocker, performing the grueling work necessary to clear paths for the legendary runner. This unselfish approach allowed Payton to amass a career that eventually saw him become the NFL's all-time leading rusher, a record he held until October 27, 2002, when Emmitt Smith surpassed him.
Jarrett Payton, son of the legendary running back, highlighted this dynamic in the NFL Network program A Football Life. He noted that Suhey acted much like a protector, absorbing significant physical punishment to ensure his teammate could achieve greatness. This "bodyguard" role was central to the success of the 1985 Bears, a team that finished the regular season with a dominant 15-1 record.
An 11-yard strike in the Super Bowl XX rout
Suhey was not merely a supporting actor; he was a playmaker on the biggest stage. During the Super Bowl XX matchup in New Orleans on January 26, 1986, Suhey scored the first touchdown of the game on an 11-yard run. This early score helped set the tone for the Chicago Bears' commanding 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots.
The championship run was a masterclass in dominance for the 1985 squad. Before reaching New Orleans, the Bears had already shut out both the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams during the playoffs. Beyond that single touchdown, Suhey’s impact in the championship game was felt through his versatility. According to the report, he finished the contest with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries and added a 24-yard reception, proving his value in multiple facets of the game.
A decade of durability from the 1980 second-round pick
The longevity of Suhey’s career in Chicago is a testament to his physical resilience and reliability. After being selected by the Bears in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft, he remained with the franchise for all 10 of his professional seasons. He appeared in 148 regular-season games, earning 100 starts during his tenure, a feat of consistency in a high-impact position.
His statistical profile reveals a versatile athlete who was much more than a specialized blocker.. Over his career, Suhey rushed for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns while also proving to be a reliable target in the passing game. He recorded 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five receiving scores. Even duing the historic 1985 season, Suhey was a significant offensive contributor, finishing as Chicago's second-leading rusher with 471 yards,trailing only Payton's 1,551 yards.
The lack of cause in the September 7 report
While the news of Suhey's death has been confirmed by a report published on September 7, 2026, several specifics remain unknown. the report does not disclose the cause of death or the location where the former fullback passed away. Additionally, there has been no official statement from the Chicago Bears organization or Suhey's family regarding memorial services.
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