Chicago Bears legend and Super Bowl champion Matt Suhey has died at the age of 68.
The former fullback, who spent his entire 10-year NFL career with Chicago, died over Labor Day weekend. A cause of death has not yet been announced.
Suhey played a major role in one of the greatest seasons in Bears history, scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl XX as Chicago crushed the New England Patriots 46-10 to win the franchise’s first and only Lombardi Trophy.
Known for his toughness and durability, Suhey never missed a game during his NFL career.
He appeared in 148 regular-season games and became a key part of Chicago’s bruising backfield alongside Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
The two also shared a close bond off the field. Payton was the godfather of Suhey’s son, Scott.
Suhey finished his NFL career with 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 260 passes for 2,113 yards and five more scores.
Before reaching the NFL, Suhey starred at Penn State, where he played college football for the Nittany Lions.
After retiring in 1989, Suhey remained closely connected to the Bears organization and many of his teammates from the 1985 championship team.
His death comes as Chicago is once again trying to build toward another Super Bowl run.
The Bears made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2020 under head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, finishing 11-6.
Chicago also earned its first postseason victory since the 2010 season with a dramatic 31-27 Wild Card win over the Green Bay Packers.
The Bears were eventually eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field, but they begin their latest season Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Suhey leaves behind a lasting place in Bears history as one of the key players from the iconic 1985 championship team.