Matt Suhey, a Super Bowl XX champion fullback for the Chicago Bears, died in his sleep Saturday night over Labor Day weekend. He was 68.
The cause of death was not immediately known. Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Bears from 1980 to 1989.
Known for his dependable blocking, especially for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, Suhey was a second-round draft pick out of Penn State in 1980. Over 148 games, including 100 starts, he rushed for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also catching 260 passes for 2,113 yards and five touchdowns. He was a key contributor in the Bears' dominant offense, notably scoring the first touchdown in their 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX in 1986.
Suhey was also recognized for his consistency, missing only one regular-season game in seven of his 10 seasons. Former teammates expressed shock and admiration for Suhey's character.
"I am shocked," Hall of Fame defensive tackle Dan Hampton told the Daily Herald. "Quality of character, there was no one superior to Matt. He was truly a gentleman."
Safety Gary Fencik recalled Suhey as a "level-headed guy" and a "valuable teammate." He added, "You could almost interpret how the offense felt by going through Matt."
Suhey's connection to Walter Payton extended beyond the field, as he was a close friend and lead blocker for Payton, who died in 1999. Suhey was also the godfather of Payton's son, Scott.
Recalling Payton in a 1985 Tribune article, Suhey said, "Some may be faster, but nobody’s stronger or better at all facets of the game. It might be nice to carry the ball more and see my name in the stats. But if Walter scores a touchdown, and I make a good block, that’s the name of the game."