Matt Suhey, a fullback who helped the 1985 Bears win the Super Bowl, has died

Matt Suhey, a fullback who played a pivotal role for the 1985 Chicago Bears in their Super Bowl victory, has passed away at the age of 68. The Chicago Bears announced his death on Sunday morning, providing no further information. Suhey was a key player for the Bears for a decade, making 10 seasons after being drafted by them in the second round in 1980.

He played alongside Walter Payton, whom he considered a close friend. Payton, who held the NFL's career leading rusher record until Emmitt Smith surpassed it in 2002, often referred to Suhey as his "bodyguard" or "protector." Suhey, who was Chicago's second-leading rusher in the 1985 season, rushed for 471 yards and Payton added 1,551 yards and nine touchdowns that season.

The 1985 Bears went undefeated, defeating the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs before defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in the Super Bowl. Suhey scored the first touchdown of the game with an 11-yard run in the first quarter. He finished his career with 828 carries for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns, along with 260 receptions for 2,113 yards and five touchdowns.

A native of Pennsylvania, Suhey played college football for Penn State, following in the footsteps of his father, Steve, who was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.