Matt Suhey, the Chicago Bears fullback and Super Bowl champion, has died. He was 68 years old. He passed away in his sleep on Saturday night. It was Labor Day weekend. No cause of death has been announced.

Suhey spent his entire NFL career with the Bears, all ten seasons. He joined the team in 1980 as a second-round pick from Penn State. He ran the ball, caught passes, and protected the quarterback. He did it all for one team.

His most famous role was lead blocker for Walter Payton. Payton is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Suhey cleared the path for Payton on carry after carry. The two became best friends off the field. Payton became the godfather of Suhey's son, Scott.

Suhey once described playing alongside Payton during the famous 1985 season. "Some may be faster," he said, "but nobody's stronger or better at all facets of the game." He added: "If Walter scores a touchdown, and I make a good block, that's the name of the game."

He also said of Payton: "He's a very good friend of mine. On the field, you're always second to him. But he never makes you feel that way."

Suhey's career numbers were impressive. He rushed for 2,946 yards. Picture 27 football fields laid end to end. That is how far his rushing yards would stretch. He scored 20 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 260 passes for 2,113 receiving yards.

He was one of the most durable players of his generation. Suhey played in every game for seven of his ten seasons.

His former teammates reacted with shock. "This was a real shock to all of us," said Bears safety Gary Fencik. "Matt was a level-headed guy. Just a real valuable teammate."

Hall of Fame defensive tackle Dan Hampton called Suhey a true gentleman. "Quality of character, there was no one superior to Matt," Hampton told The Daily Herald. "He was real responsible. He was a businessman."

The 1985 Bears won Super Bowl XX. They remain one of the most celebrated teams in NFL history. Suhey was part of that championship from day one.

Bears fans who grew up watching Suhey block and grind know what he gave to that team. His career is proof that the players who make others great deserve to be remembered too. Share your memories of Suhey and keep that 1985 legacy alive.