Matt Suhey, the steady fullback who helped Chicago win a Super Bowl, died at 68, leaving former Bears teammates mourning a trusted friend and champion.

The Chicago Bears said Suhey died Sunday morning, AP News reported. The team did not disclose a cause or other details about his death.

Suhey spent his entire 10-year NFL career in Chicago. He helped the 1985 Bears win the Super Bowl and built a lasting bond with running back Walter Payton.

Breitbart reported that Suhey died in his sleep Saturday night over Labor Day weekend. The location of his death was not disclosed.

With no cause announced, his death leaves basic questions unanswered. As in other recent death investigations, firm answers must wait for those closest to the case.

Suhey did the hard work beside Walter Payton

The Bears selected Suhey in the second round of the 1980 NFL draft out of Penn State. He became Payton’s lead blocker and played every game in seven of his 10 seasons.

Suhey finished his career with 2,946 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 260 passes for 2,113 yards, production that showed he could do more than clear a path.

But his own words made clear where he placed the team. During the Bears’ 1985 season, Suhey explained why helping Payton score mattered more than adding to his personal totals.

“It might be nice to carry the ball more and see my name in the stats. But if Walter scores a touchdown, and I make a good block, that’s the name of the game.”

That was not empty talk. Suhey’s job demanded strength, discipline and a willingness to let another player receive the applause. He embraced it.

He also held Payton in deep regard, calling him strong and complete as a player. Their connection reached beyond football, with Payton later becoming godfather to Suhey’s son, Scott.

“He’s a very good friend of mine. I enjoy his personality. You never know what to expect. On the field, you’re always second to him. But he never makes you feel that way.”

Super Bowl XX gave Suhey his biggest stage

Suhey scored Chicago’s first touchdown in its 46-10 Super Bowl XX victory over New England, the New York Post reported. He appeared in 148 games during his decade with the Bears.

His touchdown carried special weight, but his career was built on steady service. The fullback became a Chicago fan favorite while doing work that often escaped the box-score spotlight.

That kind of football has enduring appeal. It rewards preparation, toughness and trust between teammates. Suhey’s numbers mattered, but the men beside him remembered more than yardage.

Former Bears praised Suhey’s judgment and character

Former Bears safety Gary Fencik remembered Suhey as level-headed and closely connected to the offense. He said teammates could judge how that unit felt by watching Suhey.

“You could almost interpret how the offense felt by going through Matt. Just a real valuable teammate and one that, gosh, this was a real shock to all of us.”

Dan Hampton, the Bears’ Hall of Fame defensive tackle, also expressed shock. He described Suhey as responsible, businesslike and set apart by his conduct.

“Quality of character, there was no one superior to Matt. He was truly a gentleman.”

The public often mourns familiar figures, as readers saw after Shelley Fabares’ death. Suhey’s former teammates offered something more personal: testimony about how he acted when cameras were not the point.

Jarrett Payton said Suhey continued looking after Walter Payton’s family after Payton died. His tribute described years of quiet loyalty without a demand for recognition.

“He protected our family. He looked after us. He made sure we were okay, year after year, without ever making it about himself. That is who he was.”

Championships mark a player’s career. Character marks the man, and Suhey’s teammates made clear which legacy they valued most.