Full Breakdown
Matt Suhey, Beloved Bears Fullback and Walter Payton’s Right-Hand Man, Dies at 68
9/8/2026, 3:10:02 AM
Core Event: Death of a 1985 Super Bowl Champion
Matt Suhey, the longtime Chicago Bears fullback who scored the opening touchdown in Super Bowl XX, died on September 6, 2026, at age 68. The Bears confirmed the death to the Associated Press; a person familiar with the situation granted anonymity to USA Today Sports. No cause of death has been publicly disclosed, and reports describe the passing as occurring in his sleep.
Background & Context: From Penn State Star to Bears Icon
Born July 7, 1958, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Suhey was a second-round pick (46th overall) in the 1980 NFL Draft. He spent his entire ten-year career (1980-89) with Chicago, serving as the lead blocker for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton and a key piece of the Bears’ mid-1980s run game.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- July 7, 1958 – Birth in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
- 1980 NFL Draft – Selected by Chicago, second round, 46th overall.
- January 26, 1986 – Scored an 11-yard touchdown in the first quarter of Super Bowl XX, helping Chicago defeat the New England Patriots 46-10.
- September 6, 2026 – Death at age 68.
Data & Statistics: Career Production
- Games played: 148 regular-season appearances (100 starts); some outlets list 157 games including playoffs.
- Rushing: 828 carries for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns.
- Receiving: 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five touchdowns.
- Scrimmage yards: 5,059 total yards.
- Super Bowl XX: 11 carries for 52 yards, an 11-yard touchdown, and a 24-yard reception.
Official Statements & Responses
The Chicago Bears organization confirmed Suhey’s death to the Associated Press and NBC Chicago. No official cause of death was released.
Verbatim Quotes
On-the-Ground Reports: Teammates Remember Suhey
Former defensive tackle Dan Hampton called Suhey “truly a gentleman,” while former teammate Gary Fencik described him as “a level-headed guy” whose presence steadied the offense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of death: Some outlets state the cause is unknown; others note he died in his sleep without a medical explanation.
- Games played: Most sources list 148 regular-season games; a few include playoff appearances, arriving at 157 total games.
Why It Matters / Impact
Suhey’s death marks the loss of one of the last members of the 1985 Bears, the franchise’s only Super Bowl-winning team. His selfless blocking enabled Walter Payton’s historic rushing achievements and exemplifies the often-overlooked role of fullbacks in NFL history. Their enduring friendship—highlighted by Suhey serving as executor of Payton’s estate—remains a celebrated example of loyalty in professional sports.
