Jarrett Payton, the son of legendary Chicago Bears star Walter Payton, is crushed by the death of another franchise icon.
Matt Suhey, a former Chicago Bears fullback who blocked for Walter Payton, passed away at 68 years old. The Bears confirmed Suhey died on Sunday morning. Suhey was the fullback on the Super Bowl-winning 1985 Chicago Bears, one of the most iconic teams of all-time.
Jarrett Payton took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to mourn Suhey’s passing.
“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. 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,” he shared.
Walter Payton, tragically, passed away at 46, from complications of cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer.
“Their friendship showed me what real friendship looks like. Not the easy kind. The kind that lasts when the lights go off, when the stadium is empty, when life gets heavy. Brian’s Song told the story of Piccolo and Sayers. Somebody needs to tell the story of 34 and 26. Two men who trusted each other completely. Two men who became brothers. I know @walterpayton was standing there waiting for him the second he got to heaven. I can see it. That smile. That hug. That reunion they both deserved. Our family is so thankful for the love he showed us over the years. The Payton family will continue to lift Donna, Joey, Allison, and Scotty up in prayer during this difficult time. Rest easy, Uncle Matt. We love you. We always will. 🙏🏽🐻⬇️,” Payton added.
Jarrett Payton often praised his dad’s lead blocker.
“Matt watched my dad’s back, kinda like being a bodyguard or protector. He blocked for him. He took a lot of hits. Making sure my dad would get the glory. And Matt kinda just sat around in the background. Very unselfish,” Jarrett Payton said.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family members during this difficult time.
May he rest in peace.
