{
  "id": 6086990,
  "title": "Former 1985 Bears fullback Matt Suhey passes away",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/former-1985-bears-fullback-matt-suhey-passes-away",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T02:09:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-1985-bears-fullback-matt-020957342.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Chicago Bears fullback and Super Bowl champion Matt Suhey passed away on Sunday at the age of 68, according to NBC Chicago. Suhey dedicated his entire professional career to the Bears, joining the team as a second-round draft pick in 1980 and playing through 1989. Best known for serving as the lead blocker for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, Suhey developed a close friendship with the iconic player. Throughout his 10-year tenure, Suhey amassed 2,946 rushing yards and scored 20 rushing touchdowns, while also contributing 2,113 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. He scored the opening touchdown in Super Bowl XX, securing a 46-10 win against the New England Patriots. Suhey's contributions to the Bears' success in the 1980s earned him a place as a fan favorite and respected teammate within the locker room. Jimbo Covert, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who was elected in 2021, selected Suhey to deliver his eulogy, describing him as a mentor who imparted valuable lessons about professionalism. Covert emphasized the significance of Suhey's role in preserving the legacy of Walter Payton, highlighting their close bond and the appropriateness of honoring both players together.",
  "summary": "Former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion fullback Matt Suhey passed away over the weekend.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}