Who was Matt Suhey? Chicago Bears fullback and 1985 Super Bowl champion died at the age of 68

Former Chicago Bears Fullback and Super Bowl XX Champion Matt Suhey Passes Away at 68

Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey, an integral member of the historic 1985 Super Bowl champion squad, has passed away at the age of 68. Recognized for his tough, physical style of play and exceptional lead-blocking skills, Suhey spent his entire decade-long career in the NFL with Chicago, establishing himself as a beloved figure in franchise history.

Key Points

• Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey has passed away at 68 years old.
• He served as a key contributor to the iconic 1985 Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX.
• Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career playing for the Chicago Bears from 1980 to 1989.
• He was widely celebrated as the primary lead blocker for legendary Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.

Selected by the Chicago Bears in the 1980 NFL Draft after playing college football at Penn State, Suhey quickly established himself as a reliable asset in the team’s backfield. Over his 10 seasons in Chicago from 1980 to 1989, he demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency, appearing in 148 games for the franchise.

Although Suhey was a versatile offensive weapon capable of running and catching out of the backfield, he earned widespread renown for his unselfish lead blocking. He served as the chief protector and blocking partner for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, creating key rushing lanes and forming one of the most productive backfield duos in professional football history.

The pinnacle of Suhey’s football journey came during the celebrated 1985 season, during which the Bears posted an impressive 15-1 regular-season record. In Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots, Suhey scored the game’s opening touchdown on an 11-yard run, helping propel Chicago to a dominant 46-10 victory to capture the world championship.

Following his retirement from professional football, Suhey remained deeply connected to the Chicago community and maintained a close, enduring bond with the Payton family. His legacy endures as a vital contributor to one of the most dominant teams in NFL history and an exemplary teammate on and off the field.