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Matt Suhey, Chicago Bears Fullback, Dies at 68

As Walter Payton’s longtime lead blocker, Suhey shaped the Bears’ dominant 1980s rushing attack and delivered a key score in the franchise’s Super Bowl win.

Overview

  • The Chicago Bears confirmed Suhey’s death and multiple outlets report former teammates told the Chicago Tribune he died in his sleep.
  • Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Bears after being selected in the second round of the 1980 draft out of Penn State.
  • He was the primary lead blocker for Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton and scored the opening touchdown in Super Bowl XX.
  • Career totals reported across outlets list 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns plus 2,113 receiving yards and five receiving scores.
  • Obituaries note Suhey’s long friendship with Payton, his later role managing Payton’s estate and small discrepancies in games-played totals across sources.