Former Bears FB Matt Suhey Dies At 68

From 1976-79, Suhey starred at Penn State. He was a grandson of Nittany Lions icon Bob Higgins and one of the three sons of Steve Suhey. Matt’s time with the program contributed to his family’s unofficial moniker of the “first family of Penn State football.”

A second-round pick of the Bears in 1980, Suhey wound up playing 10 NFL seasons. Each of them were with Chicago, and he totaled 157 regular and postseason appearances. 109 of those were starts, with Suhey spending much of his career as an integral figure on offense.

Suhey is best remembered as the lead blocker for Walter Payton through much of the Hall of Fame running back’s career. Suhey was also often a key presence in terms of his own production, though, having topped 100 touches on seven occasions. His career high in production (1,110 scrimmage yards) came in 1983. Two years later, Suhey scored the opening touchdown in Super Bowl XX as part of Chicago’s blowout victory over New England. He would remain a regular for the Bears through another four campaigns and a full-time starter as late as 1988.

Through his playing career and well beyond, Suhey was a fan favorite and close friend to Payton and his family. In 2019, the Top 100 Players in Bears History list was compiled in honor of the franchise’s centennial anniversary. Suhey ranked 70th, a sign of his mark on the team during a celebrated career.