Jarrett Payton announced the news on social media: “Matt Suhey passed away yesterday. He was my dad’s closest friend. After we lost my dad in 1999, Matt became the biggest father figure I had. When everything felt uncertain, he was there. My dad left him in charge and Matt never let that responsibility sit lightly.” In his tribute, Jarrett spoke of Suhey’s protection and generosity, noting that Suhey looked after the family for years without seeking recognition. He described Suhey as someone who trusted deeply and became like a brother to his father. Jarrett expressed confidence that Walter Payton would welcome Suhey in heaven and thanked the Suhey family for the love shown over the years. He asked for continued prayers for Donna, Joey, Allison, and Scotty as they navigate this difficult time.
Suhey died in his sleep on the night of September 5, at the age of 68. The cause of death had not been disclosed at the time of the announcement, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the NFL community.
Dan Hampton, a Hall of Fame defensive tackle, said he was shocked by the news. For Jarrett, the loss is deeply personal because Suhey had been his father’s closest ally and the executor of Walter Payton’s estate after Payton’s passing from bile duct cancer in 1999. Suhey also played a key role beyond the field, helping manage the Walter Payton estate and contributing to charitable initiatives, including the Walter Payton Liver Center at the University of Illinois Hospital and Walter Payton College Preparatory High School.
Payton’s productive years alongside Suhey illustrate the impact they had together. Payton rushed for more than 1,000 yards in six of the eight seasons from 1980 to 1987, with more than 1,400 yards in four of those campaigns. If the 1982 strike-shortened season had been a full 16 games, Payton might have added another 1,000-yard season. Suhey’s locker was famously placed beside Payton’s in a Bears locker room nicknamed “The Ghetto.” As the sole white player in that corner, Suhey’s presence helped foster a sense of unity and mutual respect that extended beyond football.
Walter Payton once described their bond with a vivid analogy: “We were Ebony and Ivory before Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney. I think our relationship helped break down a lot of lines, a lot of racial lines, on the team and some said in the city.” The enduring respect fans felt for Suhey and the Payton family underscores how their friendship left a lasting imprint on the organization and its supporters.
As tributes poured in from fans and teammates, many highlighted the exceptional nature of Suhey’s character and his quiet, unwavering support for Payton and his family. Messages from Bears fans reflected appreciation for Suhey’s role in the team’s success and his deep commitment to the Payton family, especially after Walter Payton’s passing.
The relationship between Matt Suhey and the Payton family exemplified how sports figures can influence lives beyond the field. Suhey’s legacy, both as a teammate and as a caregiver to the Payton family, stands as a testament to the meaningful connections that often accompany greatness in the sport. The football world mourns a friend, a brother, and a steadfast presence who contributed greatly to a remarkable era in Bears history.
