Former Bears Fullback Matt Suhey Dies at 68

Matt Suhey, the 1985 Super Bowl champion who scored an 11-yard touchdown against the Patriots, died Sunday morning at age 68.

The Chicago Bears confirmed that Matt Suhey, a second-round pick in the 1980 draft who played 10 seasons for the franchise, died Sunday morning at the age of 68. Suhey was a central figure in the 1985 championship season, scoring the game's first touchdown on an 11-yard run during a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. In that title game, he recorded 52 rushing yards on 11 carries and added a 24-yard reception.

During the 1985 regular season, Suhey served as Chicago's second-leading rusher with 471 yards while clearing paths for Walter Payton, who recorded 1,551 yards and nine touchdowns. Suhey appeared in 148 regular-season games and made 100 starts throughout his career. His statistical totals include 2,946 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 828 carries, supplemented by 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five scores.

Beyond his on-field production, Suhey maintained a close personal bond with Payton, eventually serving as the godfather to Payton's youngest son, Scott. According to Jarrett Payton, Suhey acted as a protector for the NFL's former all-time leading rusher, often taking hits to ensure Payton received the glory. The Bears provided no further details regarding the circumstances of his death.