A Heartfelt Loss for the Chicago Bears Fraternity
The Chicago Bears community enters the 2026 season with heavy hearts following the passing of legendary fullback Matt Suhey, who died at the age of 68. A core pillar of the iconic 1985 Super Bowl XX championship squad, Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career from 1980 to 1989 in Chicago after being drafted in the second round out of Penn State. Revered by generations of fans as one of the franchise's all-time greats, Suhey's selfless play and grit came to symbolize the blue-collar identity of Chicago football.
The Ultimate Teammate and Unbreakable Bond
Throughout his decade in the Windy City, Suhey was universally celebrated as the premier lead blocker and trusted protector for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. Off the gridiron, their connection developed into a lifelong brotherhood, with Suhey serving as a trusted friend to the Payton family and executor of Payton's estate. While Suhey compiled 2,946 rushing yards and scored 20 rushing touchdowns in the regular season during his career—alongside scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl XX—his greatest contributions were measured in the punishing blocks he threw to open lanes for teammates.
Rallying the Locker Room Ahead of Carolina
As general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson prepare their squad for the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, Suhey's spirit looms large across the facility. Pushing to build momentum and secure consecutive playoff appearances, the Bears locker room has embraced Suhey’s ethos of accountability, physical toughness, and putting the team above individual glory. His relentless dedication serves as an immediate rallying point for a roster looking to set a physical tone right out of the gate in 2026.
Looking Ahead
Soldier Field is sure to be charged with emotion when the Bears take the field to kick off the new campaign. For the players donning the navy and orange, honoring Suhey’s memory means delivering the brand of uncompromising football he championed for a decade. As Chicago opens a promising new chapter, the enduring legacy of No. 26 remains an indelible standard of what it means to be a Bear.
