Beloved Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champion Passes Away

Chicago Bears helmet (Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports)

Beloved Chicago Bears Super Bowl Champion Passes Away

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Darrelle Lincoln | Last updated Sep 7, 2026 12:56 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have lost another member of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl championship team. The 1985 Chicago Bears are widely considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history.

To begin with, the Bears’ regular season was a masterclass in total football dominance, resulting in an incredible 15-1 record. First, their success was anchored by the revolutionary “46 defense” designed by coordinator Buddy Ryan.

Meanwhile, the offense was fueled by legendary running back Walter Payton, who provided a consistent ground game. Consequently, they ran through the regular season virtually unchallenged.

Over the years, several players from the squad have died. That includes DT Steve McMichael and running back Walter Payton.

Beloved Chicago Bears Super Bowl Hero Matt Suhey Tragically Dead at 68

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) in action with fullback Matt Suhey (26) against the New England Patriots defense during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. Chicago defeated New England 46-10. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The NFL community is deeply united in grief today following the heartbreaking announcement of a true sports icon’s passing. Legendary Chicago fullback Matt Suhey has tragically passed away at the age of 68.

Suhey was widely regarded as the ultimate teammate throughout his tenure in the Windy City. He played a monumental role on the field, famously paving the path for the legendary Walter Payton. Furthermore, his unselfish blocking style helped define the identity of the historic 1985 championship roster.

A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by those close to the family.

The Enduring Legacy of The Chicago Hero

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Matt Suhey (26) carries the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Suhey spent his entire 10-year career with the Bears from 1980 to 1989.

Initially, Suhey proved his talents at the collegiate level while playing for Penn State University. During his time as a Nittany Lion from 1976 to 1979, he rushed for 2,818 yards and scored 26 touchdowns.

Consequently, his strong college performance led to his selection by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft. In addition to his unsung blocking duties, Suhey was an effective offensive weapon in his own right. He finished his pro career with 2,946 rushing yards, 2,113 receiving yards, and 25 total touchdowns.

Undoubtedly, the absolute pinnacle of his career arrived during the 1985 season. Ultimately, the Bears advanced to Super Bowl XX. That is where Suhey cemented his place in franchise history by scoring the very first touchdown on an 11-yard run.

Furthermore, his reliability was unmatched; he played in 148 games and never missed a single regular-season matchup over seven of his ten years in the league.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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