Former Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey, a key member of the legendary 1985 championship team, died over the weekend from natural causes, officials said.
Suhey, 68, was found dead Sunday at his home in Deerfield, Illinois.
The Lake County Coroner’s Office said an initial police investigation found no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
“Our preliminary investigation indicated that Mr. Suhey had a significant medical history and was being treated by a primary care physician (PCP),” Lake County Coroner’s Office chief deputy Steve Newton said. “Therefore, our investigation was limited, and the PCP will be completing the death certificate for him, as it will be Natural Causes.”
Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Bears after joining Chicago in 1980.
He became a dependable part of one of the most iconic teams in league history, spending much of his career blocking for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
Suhey helped the Bears steamroll through the 1985 season before capturing the franchise’s first Super Bowl title with a dominant victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
He delivered on the NFL’s biggest stage, rushing for 52 yards and a touchdown as Chicago crushed New England in the championship game.
News of Suhey’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from former teammates and members of the Bears family.
Matt Suhey, fullback for the 1985 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears team died on Saturday at 68, per multiple reports.
Suhey played 10 seasons in the NFL — all with Chicago — and finished with 2,946 career rushing yards and 25 total touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/Ao0gk18PxA
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) September 7, 2026
Former Chicago safety Gary Fencik remembered Suhey as a steady presence inside the locker room.
“I kind of remember Matt as a level-headed guy,” former safety Gary Fencik said to the Daily Herald. “You could almost interpret how the offense felt by going through Matt. Just a real valuable teammate and one that, gosh, this was a real shock to all of us.”
Suhey also remained deeply connected to the Payton family long after his playing career ended.
Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett, described Suhey as his “dad’s closest friend” and said he became an important father figure after Walter’s death in 1999.
Matt Suhey passed away yesterday.
He was my dad’s closest friend. After we lost my dad in 1999, Matt became the biggest father figure I had. When everything felt uncertain, he was there. My dad left him in charge and Matt never let that responsibility sit lightly. He protected… pic.twitter.com/pN0I8zDTTz— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) September 7, 2026
“After we lost my dad in 1999, Matt became the biggest father figure I had,” Jarrett wrote on his X page. “When everything felt uncertain, he was there. My dad left him in charge and Matt never let that responsibility sit lightly. He protected our family. He looked after us. He made sure we were okay, year after year, without ever making it about himself. That is who he was.”
Suhey’s NFL career included 100 starts, 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
He also proved valuable as a receiver out of the backfield, finishing with 2,113 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.
His death closes another chapter for the famed 1985 Bears, a team still celebrated decades later for its punishing defense, larger-than-life personalities and unforgettable Super Bowl run.
Officials said Suhey’s death will be certified as natural causes by his primary care physician.
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