Far Too Soon
Although I never met Matt Suhey in person, I played alongside several of his Penn State teammates on the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL. Players like Chuck Fusina, Scott Fitzkee, Frank Case, Tommy Donovan, Bill Dugan, Pete Kugler, and Dave Opfar always spoke fondly of him. Suhey became a legend in Chicago as the lead blocking back for Walter Payton and a key contributor to the 1985 World Champion Chicago Bears after being selected in the second round of the 1980 NFL Draft. Sadly, he recently passed away in his sleep at the age of 68.
It is difficult to understand why so many football players leave us far too soon. Names like Sam Mills, Reggie White, Walter Payton, Dave Duerson, and Andre Waters all come to mind. Football is inherently a violent collision sport, and while it has grown safer in recent years, it remains brutal. Furthermore, players from that era were not compensated like today’s athletes. In 1980, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Bill Bergey was the league’s highest-paid player at $350,000 annually.
When asked if the sacrifices are worth it, my answer is an unequivocal yes. The game instills discipline, teamwork, hard work, and invaluable life lessons. Even if it ultimately impacts my own life expectancy, I look back with deep gratitude on my career achievements, championship rings, and lifelong relationships with figures like Coach Dick Vermeil and my former teammates.
Matt Suhey’s passing is a reminder that, while he is gone, we still have the opportunity to make a positive impact on others and cherish time with our loved ones. I remain deeply grateful for those blessings.
