Matt Suhey, the former Chicago Bears fullback and 1985 Super Bowl champion, has died at the age of 68. His passing has brought renewed attention to a football career defined by durability, teamwork and his close friendship with Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
Suhey died on September 6, 2026, according to reports and confirmation from the Chicago Bears. His death marked the loss of a significant member of one of the most celebrated teams in NFL history.
While Suhey’s football accomplishments are well documented, his death has also prompted memories of the quieter role he played behind the scenes, particularly as one of Walter Payton’s most trusted teammates and friends.
Matt Suhey Cause of Death Remains Undisclosed
The cause of Matt Suhey’s death has not been officially announced.
A report from the Lake County Coroner’s Office said Suhey was found unresponsive at his Deerfield home on Sunday afternoon and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said there were no suspicious circumstances, while the death was described as possibly medical-related. No specific medical condition or cause has been confirmed publicly.
Other major reports have similarly stated that no cause or additional circumstances surrounding his death had been released.
Because of that, claims identifying a particular illness, medical condition or other cause should not be treated as confirmed unless additional information is released by his family or authorities.
Who Was Matt Suhey?
Matt Suhey was born July 7, 1958, in Pennsylvania and developed into a standout football player before reaching the NFL.
He attended State College Area High School and later played at Penn State from 1976 through 1979. Suhey followed a strong football family tradition, with his father, Steve Suhey, having been an All-American guard at Penn State and later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
At Penn State, Suhey rushed for 2,818 yards and 26 touchdowns while helping the Nittany Lions reach a bowl game in each of his four seasons.
His college career eventually led to the Chicago Bears selecting him in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft.
Matt Suhey’s Chicago Bears Career
Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears, appearing in 148 regular-season games.
He finished his professional career with 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, along with 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Although fullbacks do not always receive the same attention as featured running backs, Suhey became particularly valuable because of his blocking ability.
He frequently helped create running lanes for Walter Payton, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
That role became one of the defining features of his football legacy.
Matt Suhey Obituary Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Matt Suhey |
| Date of birth | July 7, 1958 |
| Age at death | 68 |
| Date of death | September 6, 2026 |
| Place associated with death | Deerfield, Illinois |
| Profession | Former NFL fullback |
| NFL team | Chicago Bears |
| College | Penn State |
| NFL career | 1980–1989 |
| Super Bowl | Super Bowl XX champion |
| Cause of death | Not officially disclosed |
| Funeral arrangements | Not provided |
Role in the Bears’ 1985 Championship
Suhey was an important part of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears team.
The Bears went 15-1 during the regular season before dominating their way through the playoffs and defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.
Suhey scored the first touchdown of the Super Bowl, running 11 yards into the end zone during the opening quarter.
He finished the championship game with 52 rushing yards on 11 carries and also recorded a 24-yard reception.
The championship became the defining achievement of the Bears’ franchise history, and Suhey remained closely associated with that team throughout his life.
Matt Suhey and Walter Payton’s Friendship
Suhey’s legacy extended beyond statistics because of his close relationship with Walter Payton.
The two were teammates in Chicago and developed a friendship that continued away from football.
Suhey was often described as one of the people responsible for helping Payton succeed on the field. His blocking allowed Payton to operate as one of the NFL’s most productive running backs.
Their relationship continued after their playing careers ended.
Payton also became the godfather of Suhey’s youngest son, Scott, further demonstrating the closeness between the two families.
After Payton died in 1999, Suhey remained an important figure in the lives of Payton’s family.
Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett Payton, described Suhey as his father’s closest friend and said Suhey became a major father figure in his life after his father’s death.
Remembering Matt Suhey Beyond Football
Although Suhey’s professional career made him known to millions of football fans, those closest to him remembered more than his statistics.
His former teammates have spoken about his character, reliability and willingness to work for the benefit of the team.
That reputation was reflected in the role he played alongside Payton. Suhey often performed the less glamorous work of blocking and absorbing contact while helping another player receive the spotlight.
It became a fitting representation of how many people remembered him: dependable, unselfish and committed to those around him.
Family Football Legacy
Football remained part of the Suhey family’s story for generations.
Matt’s father, Steve Suhey, played at Penn State, while other members of the family also continued the connection with the university.
Matt’s brothers Larry and Paul were Penn State lettermen, while his sons Kevin and Joe later played for the Nittany Lions.
That family history helped make Suhey’s career particularly meaningful within Penn State football.
His name became part of a football tradition that extended well beyond his own playing career.
Funeral and Memorial Information
No complete funeral, visitation or memorial arrangements for Matt Suhey were included in the latest reports reviewed.
Additional information may be released by his family or representatives as arrangements are finalized.
For now, tributes have focused largely on his football career, his place in Bears history and the enduring friendship he shared with Walter Payton.
Matt Suhey’s Lasting Legacy
Matt Suhey leaves behind a legacy that extends across Penn State and Chicago Bears football.
He was part of a championship team, spent an entire decade with one NFL franchise and played an important supporting role for one of the greatest running backs in league history.
But his legacy is also reflected in the relationships he maintained away from the field.
His friendship with Walter Payton became particularly significant after Payton’s death, when Suhey continued to support the Payton family.
For Bears fans, Suhey will remain part of the story of the 1985 championship team and the era that established Chicago as an NFL powerhouse.
For those who knew him personally, his memory will extend far beyond the football field.
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on confirmed reports of Matt Suhey’s death on September 6, 2026, at age 68. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed. A local report stated that he was found unresponsive at his Deerfield, Illinois, home and that authorities found no suspicious circumstances, but no specific medical cause has been confirmed. Funeral and memorial arrangements were not available in the information reviewed. Additional details should be attributed only after confirmation from his family, authorities or another reliable source.