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Matt Suhey, a former Penn State tailback who played 10 years with the Chicago Bears and won a Super Bowl in 1985, has died.
He was 68 years old.
Suhey was also a star at State College Area High School and came from a decorated football family rooted in Penn State history.
His father, Steve, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985 after a standout career as a guard who helped lead Penn State to the 1948 Cotton Bowl.
His older brothers, Larry and Paul, were Penn State letterwinners with Paul serving as captain of the 1978 team that played Alabama for the national championship.
His mother, Ginger, was the daughter of former Penn State coach Bob Higgins.
Matt Suhey rushed for 2,818 yards and 26 touchdowns on 633 carries for the Nittany Lions. When he graduated, he was second only to Lydell Mitchell (2,934) in career rushing yardage.
A second-round draft pick, he moved to fullback in the NFL and teamed with close friend Walter Payton in the Bears' backfield.
Payton served as the godfather for Suhey's youngest son, Scott.
"After we lost my dad in 1999, Matt became the biggest father figure I had," Walter's son, Jarrett, posted on social media on Monday. "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."
The Bears confirmed Suhey died on Sunday morning. No other details were provided.