Matt Suhey Obituary, Cause of Death – Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champion Dies at 68

Matt Suhey, the former Chicago Bears fullback and member of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team, has died at the age of 68. Suhey died on September 6, 2026, with reports stating that he died in his sleep. He had been living in Deerfield, Illinois.

Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears after being selected in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft out of Penn State. He became one of the most dependable players of the Bears' celebrated 1980s era and played an important role in the team's Super Bowl XX victory.

Matt Suhey Cause of Death

The specific cause of Matt Suhey’s death has not been publicly disclosed.

Reports indicate that Suhey died in his sleep, but no medical cause has been announced by his family or the Chicago Bears. He was 68.

No specific illness or medical condition should be attributed to his death without confirmation from his family or an authorized representative.

Matt Suhey’s Chicago Bears Career

Suhey was drafted by Chicago after a successful career at Penn State. He went on to play 10 seasons with the Bears from 1980 through 1989, appearing in 148 regular-season games.

His durability became one of his defining qualities. Suhey recorded 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, along with 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five receiving touchdowns during his NFL career.

His most celebrated moment came in Super Bowl XX, when the Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46–10. Suhey scored the game's first touchdown on an 11-yard run, helping Chicago secure its first Super Bowl championship.

Matt Suhey and Walter Payton

Beyond his statistics, Suhey was especially remembered for his relationship with Walter Payton.

Suhey served as Payton's lead blocker for much of his career, frequently taking on the physical work that helped create running lanes for the Hall of Fame back. The two also developed a close friendship that extended beyond football.

Payton remained Suhey's friend throughout his life and was the godfather of Suhey's youngest son, Scott. Suhey also remained close to the Payton family following Walter Payton's death in 1999.

Former teammates remembered Suhey not only for his toughness and reliability but also for his warmth and personality. His contributions to the Bears extended beyond the statistics that appeared in the record books.

Remembering Matt Suhey

Matt Suhey's death marks the loss of an important member of one of the most celebrated teams in Chicago Bears history.

He was remembered as a durable fullback, an unselfish teammate and a trusted friend to Walter Payton. The Bears' 1985 championship season remains one of the defining chapters in franchise history, and Suhey's role as a blocker and contributor was central to that team's success.

Suhey was later recognized among the 100 Greatest Bears of All Time, further reflecting the lasting regard in which he was held by the organization and its fans.

Matt Suhey Funeral and Memorial Information

Funeral and memorial arrangements for Matt Suhey have not been publicly detailed in the information currently available.

Additional information may be announced by his family at a later time.

Matt Suhey leaves behind a lasting legacy with the Chicago Bears and among generations of fans who remember the 1985 championship team. His work alongside Walter Payton, his durability and his role in the Bears' historic Super Bowl victory ensured that his name would remain part of Chicago football history.

May Matt Suhey rest in peace.