Former Bears Fullback Matt Suhey Dies at 68

The Chicago Bears announced that former fullback Matt Suhey died on Sunday at age 68. Suhey spent his entire ten-year NFL career (1980-1989) with the Bears, serving as the lead blocker for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. He scored the first touchdown of Super Bowl XX, an 11-yard run that helped Chicago defeat the New England Patriots 46-10 and secure the franchise’s only Lombardi Trophy.

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Suhey appeared in 148 of a possible 152 games, recording 828 carries for 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. He also added 260 receptions for 2,113 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. The Bears confirmed these totals and noted his durability, having played in every game as a rookie.

Chicago Sun-Times

Suhey and Payton forged a close friendship on and off the field. Former teammate Jim Covert recalled that Suhey “was kind of a mentor,” emphasizing how their bond kept Payton’s legacy alive. Former columnist Rick Telander described the pair as “best buds,” noting Suhey’s support for Payton during the latter’s battle with liver cancer. Payton’s widow, Connie Payton, later likened their on-field chemistry to a marriage, saying the trust between them made blocking “a lot easier.”

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The Bears organization confirmed Suhey’s death and highlighted his role in the 1985 championship run, which featured five straight playoff appearances from 1984-1988. Jim Covert, a 2021 Hall of Fame inductee, served as Suhey’s presenter at his Hall of Fame ceremony and praised Suhey’s mentorship of younger players. Rick Telander, a longtime Chicago sports writer, reflected on Suhey’s humility and the depth of his friendship with Payton.

Chicago Sun-Times

• — Matt Suhey, Super Bowl champion “We certainly had football and the passion to play football in common, though even there, there were differences,” — Matt Suhey, super bowl champion

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