'He protected our family'
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Matt Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears, forming a close friendship with superstar running back Walter Payton, with whom he won a Super Bowl.
- Walter Payton was the godfather of Suhey's son, Scotty, and Suhey became a father figure to Payton's son, Jarrett, after Payton's death in 1999.
- Jarrett Payton praised Suhey for his unwavering support and protection of their family, highlighting Suhey's selflessness and dedication in a heartfelt Instagram tribute following Suhey's death on September 6.
- Suhey was a second-round draft pick from Penn State in 1980 and played 148 games for the Bears, rushing for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also excelling as a receiver with 260 catches for 2,113 yards.
- He contributed significantly to the Bears' victory in Super Bowl XX, rushing for 52 yards and scoring the team's first touchdown in their 46-10 win over the New England Patriots, the franchise's only Super Bowl title.
