CHICAGO — Matt Suhey, the former Chicago Bears fullback remembered as a key blocker for Walter Payton during the franchise’s iconic 1985 championship run, has died at 68.
The Chicago Bears announced that Suhey died Sunday morning. The team did not release additional information about the circumstances of his death.
A second-round pick by Chicago in the 1980 NFL Draft, Suhey spent all 10 of his professional seasons with the Bears. Known for his toughness and reliability in the backfield, he played an important role in opening lanes for Payton, who went on to become the NFL’s all-time rushing leader before Emmitt Smith broke the mark on Oct. 27, 2002.
Suhey’s connection with Payton extended well beyond football. The two were close friends, and Payton was named godfather to Suhey’s youngest son, Scott.
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On Monday, Payton’s son Jarrett shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying Suhey became the most important father figure in his life after Walter Payton died in 1999. Jarrett wrote that Suhey stepped in during uncertain times, protected the Payton family and continued to look after them year after year without seeking attention for himself.
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“That is who he was.”
Suhey was Chicago’s second-leading rusher when the Bears went 15-1 during the 1985 regular season, finishing with 471 yards on the ground. Payton rushed for 1,551 yards and nine touchdowns that year.
The 1985 Bears shut out the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs before routing New England 46-10 in the Super Bowl. Suhey scored the first TD against the Patriots on an 11-yard run in the first quarter. He finished with 52 yards on 11 carries, and he also had a 24-yard reception.
The durable Suhey played in 148 regular-season games during his 10 years with the Bears, starting 100. He had 828 carries for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also had 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five TDs.
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