Selected by the Bears in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft, Suhey spent his entire 10-year professional career in Chicago. Over the course of 148 regular-season appearances, including 100 starts, he established himself as a durable and selfless presence in the backfield, recording 2,946 rushing yards on 828 carries with 20 touchdowns, alongside 2,113 receiving yards on 260 catches.
A Vital Partner to Walter Payton
Suhey is perhaps best remembered for his instrumental role in clearing paths for Walter Payton, helping the legendary running back become the NFL’s career leading rusher—a milestone Payton held until 2002. The two shared a deep personal bond, with Suhey serving as a trusted protector on the field and a close friend off it; notably, Payton was the godfather to Suhey’s youngest son, Scott.
Reflecting on their partnership in the NFL Network documentary series A Football Life, Jarrett Payton described Suhey as a selfless teammate who acted as a bodyguard for his father. By absorbing hits and focusing on blocking duties, Suhey allowed the star running back to thrive, often operating in the background while prioritizing the team's success.
The 1985 Championship Legacy
During the Bears' historic 15-1 regular season in 1985, Suhey proved his versatility as the team's second-leading rusher, contributing 471 yards on the ground. His impact was particularly felt during the postseason, where the Bears dominated the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams before securing a decisive 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
In that championship performance, Suhey made a significant impact by scoring the game’s opening touchdown on an 11-yard run in the first quarter. He concluded the Super Bowl with 52 yards on 11 carries and added a 24-yard reception, cementing his legacy as a vital contributor to one of the most celebrated teams in NFL history.
