Matt Suhey, 68, Bears' 1985 Super Bowl hero dies, block stunned the NFL

Matt Suhey, the hard‑hitting fullback who helped power the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl championship, died over Labor Day weekend at the age of 68. The former Penn State star spent his entire ten‑year NFL career with the Bears, appearing in every game from 1980 to 1989.

His sudden passing has struck a chord among Bears fans and the broader football community.

## Background & Context

Matt Suhey was born in Chicago’s West Side and grew up in the same city where he would later become a legend. He played high school football at St. Mary’s of Chicago, where his strength on the line of scrimmage caught the attention of Penn State head coach Joe Paterno.

At Penn State, Suhey was a dominant force for the Nittany Lions, leading the team in blocking grades and earning All‑Big Ten honors in his senior year. His performance against Ohio State in 1979—a game that was nationally televised—cemented his status as a top draft prospect.

Selected by the Bears in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft, Suhey stepped into a franchise that was building toward greatness. The Bears’ offense relied heavily on the run game, and Suhey’s primary role was to create openings for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.

Together, they formed a duo that became the backbone of Chicago’s ground attack during the decade. Suhey's blocking was so reliable that his coach often remarked that

The Bears’ defense in the 1980s was famously aggressive, known as the “46‑Defense,” but it was their offense—particularly the run—that set many of their opponents back. Suhey’s work ethic and physicality complemented the defensive stalwartness, making Chicago a balanced threat on all sides of the ball.

## The Super Bowl XX Moment

Suhey’s most memorable moment came in Super Bowl XX, held in January 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome. Facing the New England Patriots, the Bears entered the game with a defensive record that would have them shut out opponents for a season. Yet the offense, especially its run game, was essential for keeping the momentum.

In the first quarter, Suhey broke through a tackle by a Patriot defender and sprinted 11 yards to score his only career touchdown. The play was more than just a score; it was a statement that the Bears’ offense could deliver in critical moments.

The game ended with a 46‑10 victory, and Suhey’s touchdown remained one of the highlights celebrated by fans for decades. That 11‑yard run also symbolized a larger narrative: the some commentators noted, Suhey’s contribution to the game cemented his place in Bears lore and marked the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.

## Career Statistics & Consistency

Over his decade in Chicago, Suhey accumulated 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns—a respectable tally for a player whose primary duty was blocking. He also caught 260 passes for 2,113 yards and five receiving touchdowns, showcasing versatility beyond his primary blocking duties.

His durability was notable; he never missed a game throughout his entire tenure with the Bears. This consistency earned him the respect of teammates who saw him as a reliable foundation for the team’s offensive strategy. Suhey’s statistics are only one facet of his impact.

He was often tasked with stopping elite defensive lines, and his ability to shed blocks allowed Payton to become one of the league’s most prolific rushers. In 1984, when Payton rushed for 1,355 yards, Suhey’s blocking was cited by coaches as a critical factor in creating that yardage.

## Legacy and Impact

Suhey’s legacy extends far beyond statistics. He was known for his relentless work ethic, often taking on the toughest defensive assignments to open lanes for Payton. The two players developed a close friendship, becoming synonymous with Chicago’s bruising ground attack during one of the franchise’s most celebrated eras.

Suhey’s presence on the field embodied the classic fullback role—an unheralded yet essential part of offensive success. Fans remember Suhey for his physical presence on the field and his unwavering commitment to team success.

He was also celebrated off the field for his community involvement, frequently participating in charitable events and youth football programs across Chicago. Many former teammates and coaches have spoken publicly about his professionalism and generosity, underscoring the impact he had beyond the gridiron.

After retiring in 1989, Suhey remained connected to the Bears organization. He often appeared at alumni events and was involved in various initiatives aimed at supporting current players. His continued presence reinforced the sense of unity among the 1985 championship squad and their supporters.

In interviews, former coach Mike Smith noted that

## Fan Reaction

When Suhey’s death was announced, fans poured into social media and local radio stations to pay tribute. A popular hashtag on Instagram honored his legacy with photos of old game footage and messages from fans who grew up watching the 1985 Bears.

In the Chicago area, many gathered at Soldier Field’s practice fields to light candles for their former teammate—a tradition that has become part of the city’s way of remembering past heroes. A group of former teammates, including Walter Payton himself, issued a statement expressing their grief.

Payton wrote, The statements were accompanied by images of Suhey’s high school football jersey hanging in a local community center—his lifelong commitment to youth sports. Local radio hosts also reflected on how Suhey’s play style influenced younger players. one host recalled,

## Industry Impact

Suhey’s style of play had a ripple effect on how the fullback position was perceived across the league. While many teams began de-emphasizing traditional fullbacks in favor of faster running backs, Suhey’s legacy proved the enduring value of a strong lead blocker.

Analysts from former NFL broadcasts noted that his technique—using a combination of brute strength and precise timing—became a model for coaching clinics in the 1990s. During his career, Suhey was part of an era when the Bears’ offense became a case study in balanced play-calling.

The success of a fullback who could both block and contribute on the ground reshaped training programs for offensive linemen and backs alike.

Coaches across the league took note that a well‑executed blocking scheme could create opportunities even against the most dominant defenses—a lesson that is still applied in modern offensive strategies.

## What Happens Next

The Bears organization has yet to release an official statement regarding Suhey’s passing. A memorial service is likely to be scheduled in the coming weeks, with former teammates and coaches expected to attend.

The team may issue a tribute or dedicate a game to his memory, following traditions observed after the deaths of other former players. Family members have requested privacy during this time, but it is expected that a public obituary will provide further details about his life and career.

His death will likely prompt reflections on the 1985 Bears’ legacy and the enduring influence of its players on the sport. The broader NFL community may also honor him through moments of silence or tribute announcements.

## A Lasting Tribute

Matt Suhey’s passing marks the loss of a key figure in one of football’s most iconic championship teams. His work as a blocker, teammate, and community member left an indelible mark on the Bears franchise and its fan base.

The NFL will remember him as a player who exemplified resilience, dedication, and teamwork—a legacy that continues to inspire future generations.