The Chicago Bears announced Sunday that Matt Suhey, the former fullback who spent 10 seasons in Chicago and served as Walter Payton’s lead blocker, has died at the age of 68.
Suhey’s career was closely tied to one of the most successful stretches in Bears history. A second-round pick out of Penn State in 1980, he played in 148 games with 100 starts and became a key part of the backfield that helped Chicago win Super Bowl XX and lead the NFL in rushing for four consecutive seasons from 1983 through 1986.
A central part of the Bears' rushing identity
The Bears described Suhey as tough, physical and unafraid of contact, and his role reflected that reputation. He was the fullback in front of Walter Payton, and the two formed one of the defining tandems of the era. On Nov. 10, 1985, Payton rushed for 107 yards and Suhey added 102 in a 24-3 win over the Lions, a snapshot of how productive that ground game could be when Chicago was rolling.
Over 10 seasons, Suhey finished with 2,946 rushing yards, 20 touchdowns, 828 carries and 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five touchdowns. The numbers do not fully capture his value, though. As Gary Fencik said, Suhey’s contribution was probably understated, even while he was an important part of the offense and someone who helped Payton become a better player.
Remembered as a teammate and friend
Suhey’s influence extended beyond the field. The Bears said he remained connected to the organization and his former teammates long after his playing career, including as a regular presence at Bears Alumni events. Tom Thayer called him a great teammate and a great locker-room presence, while the Bears said he was a beloved teammate and treasured friend.
Suhey’s connection to Payton also carried a deeper personal meaning after Payton died in 1999. Suhey cared for him and later served as executor of Payton’s estate, a reflection of how close the two remained after their playing days ended.
In 2019, Don Pierson and Dan Pompei ranked Suhey as the 70th greatest player in Bears history. That recognition fits the way he is being remembered now: not as the flashiest name from that era, but as a foundational player on a championship team and a longtime Bear who helped define the identity of the offense around Walter Payton.
