Matt Suhey spent a decade as the ultimate team player for the Chicago Bears—clearing paths for Walter Payton, scoring the first touchdown in Super Bowl XX, and earning the respect of teammates and fans alike. Off the field, he was equally steady. For years, people have wondered about the woman who shared that life with him. Her name is Donna Suhey, and she remained largely out of the spotlight while supporting a husband who became a symbol of loyalty both on and off the gridiron.
Recent news has brought fresh attention to the Suhey family. Matt Suhey passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 68. The Chicago Bears confirmed the news, and tributes poured in from former teammates and the Payton family. No official cause of death has been released. In the days since, many have looked back not only at his football career but at the private life he shared with Donna and their three children.
Table of Contents
Who Was Matt Suhey?
Matt Suhey was born on July 7, 1958, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Football ran deep in his blood. His father, Steve Suhey, and grandfather, Bob Higgins, were Penn State legends. Matt followed the family path, starring for the Nittany Lions before the Bears selected him in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft.
He spent his entire 10-year career in Chicago (1980–1989). As a fullback, he rushed for 2,946 yards and 20 touchdowns while catching 260 passes. More importantly, he was the lead blocker for Hall of Famer Walter Payton. Their friendship went far beyond the field. Payton became the godfather of Suhey’s youngest son, and after Payton’s death in 1999, Suhey served as executor of his estate and a father figure to Payton’s children.
Key career highlights include:
- Super Bowl XX champion (scored the game’s first touchdown)
- 148 regular-season games played
- Named one of the 100 greatest Bears of all time
- Lifelong friendship with Walter Payton that continued long after both retired
Meet Donna Suhey: The Woman Behind the Star
Donna Suhey, like her husband, is a Penn State alum. The couple settled in the Chicago area after Matt’s playing days and built a life rooted in family and quiet stability. While Matt worked as a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade and later in the bottled-water industry, Donna provided the steady foundation at home.
She has always preferred privacy. Public mentions of her are rare, yet those who knew the family describe a partnership built on mutual support. In a 2016 profile, the couple was still living in the Chicago area, raising their children and staying connected to their Penn State roots. Donna’s role was never about the spotlight. It was about creating a home that balanced the demands of an NFL career and the responsibilities that followed.
Family Life and Children
Matt and Donna raised three children:
- Joe Suhey – The oldest son followed the family tradition, playing fullback at Penn State from 2007 to 2011. He later settled in San Francisco.
- Allison Suhey – Their daughter became a neonatal nurse in Milwaukee.
- Scott (Scotty) Suhey – The youngest, whose godfather was Walter Payton, attended Indiana University.
The Suhey family has long been called the “first family of Penn State football,” spanning four generations. Matt and Donna kept that tradition alive while giving their kids room to forge their own paths. Family Member Role / Notes Notable Connection Donna Suhey Wife, Penn State alum Lifelong partner Joe Suhey Oldest son, former Penn State FB Fourth-generation Nittany Lion Allison Suhey Daughter, neonatal nurse Lives in Milwaukee Scott Suhey Youngest son Walter Payton was godfather
A Legacy of Loyalty and Friendship
Matt Suhey’s greatest legacy may not be the yards he gained or the Super Bowl ring he earned. It was the way he showed up for people. Teammates called him a gentleman and a responsible presence in a high-energy locker room. After Payton’s diagnosis, Suhey drove him to appointments and stayed close until the end. Jarrett Payton later said Matt became the biggest father figure in his life after his dad’s death.
That same loyalty defined his marriage and parenting. In a world that often celebrates flash, Matt and Donna built something quieter and more enduring.
Conclusion
Matt Suhey’s death at 68 has reminded fans that the men who made the 1985 Bears special are now part of history. Behind the blocks, the touchdowns, and the deep friendship with Walter Payton stood Donna Suhey—a partner who shared the journey without seeking attention. Their three children continue the family’s story in their own ways.
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Matt Suhey lived with quiet strength. Donna stood beside him through it all. That partnership remains the most lasting play of his life.