Matt Suhey Obituary, Cause Of Death, Former Bears Super Bowl Champion Fullback Dies At 68
The Chicago Bears community is mourning the loss of a vital piece of its greatest era. Former fullback Matt Suhey has passed away at the age of 68, according to NBC Chicago. A cornerstone of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team, Suhey’s passing marks the loss of a man whose impact on the field was matched only by his character off it.
Suhey spent his entire 10-year career with the Bears (1980–1989), appearing in 148 games. While his statistics—2,946 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns—speak to his longevity, his true value lay in his selfless play. As the lead blocker for the incomparable Walter Payton, Suhey was the engine that cleared the path for greatness. He even etched his name into history by scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl XX, a crucial moment in the Bears’ dominant victory over the New England Patriots.
The bond between Suhey and Payton was profound. Payton’s wife, Connie, once likened their connection to a “husband and wife” dynamic, noting that their intuitive chemistry made the game easier. Despite their different backgrounds, Suhey was described by ESPN’s Melissa Isaacson as a “humble, respectful, and hard-working” individual.
Matt Suhey was more than just a teammate; he was a selfless warrior who prioritized the team’s success over personal glory. He remains a beloved figure in Bears history, a quiet hero of a championship dynasty.