Ndamukong Suh, one of the most dominant defensive linemen in NFL history, officially announced his retirement from professional football. The 38-year-old, who last played in the NFL in 2022, shared an emotional message on social media, marking the one-year anniversary of his father’s passing and honoring his father’s final advice to move on to the next chapter of his life. Suh’s retirement closes the book on a remarkable 13-season career that saw him play for five teams, earn five Pro Bowl selections, and secure a Super Bowl ring.
Ndamukong Suh’s journey in the NFL began when the Detroit Lions selected him as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska. A standout college player, Suh was one of the most decorated defensive players in NCAA history, earning accolades such as the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year in 2009. His transition to the pros was seamless, as he quickly established himself as a force in the trenches, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2010.
Over his 13-year career, Suh played for the Detroit Lions (2010-2014), Miami Dolphins (2015-2017), Los Angeles Rams (2018), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-2021), and Philadelphia Eagles (2022). He amassed 600 tackles, 130 tackles for loss, 71.5 sacks, 38 passes defended, and three defensive touchdowns across 199 games. His five All-Pro selections (three first-team) and five Pro Bowl nods underscore his consistent excellence. Suh was also named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2010s, cementing his legacy as one of the era’s premier defensive tackles.
Suh’s impact extended beyond statistics. Known for his physicality and intensity, he was a game-changer who commanded attention from opposing offenses. His presence was particularly pivotal during his tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he contributed to their Super Bowl LV victory in 2020, recording 10 combined tackles and 1.5 sacks in the postseason. His reliability and intimidating presence were credited with elevating the performance of his teammates.
Suh’s retirement announcement was deeply personal, rooted in a conversation with his late father. In his social media post, Suh wrote, “July 12, 2024 was the hardest day of my life. It’s the day I said goodbye to my father, the man who raised me, shaped me, challenged me, and believed in me before I believed in myself. He wasn’t just a dad. He was my idol, my coach, and my anchor.” Before his father’s passing, he advised Suh, “It’s time to let football go. You’ve done everything you set out to do. Now it’s time for the next chapter.” Suh honored that wish exactly one year later, stating, “I’m officially retiring from the NFL. I have so many memories to cherish. 13 seasons. 5x All-Pro. A Super Bowl ring. Countless battles in the trenches. I left it all on the field, and now I’m stepping away with peace and gratitude.”
Suh emphasized that football, while his passion, was never his “endgame.” He noted that he had been preparing for retirement for years, focusing on his next steps. Among his new ventures is a podcast called No Free Lunch, which aims to spark “real conversation” around strategy, education, and life lessons, particularly for athletes, entrepreneurs, and young people navigating financial decisions.
Suh’s focus now shifts to his podcast and other ventures, where he aims to inspire and educate. “My next season is about impact, purpose, and legacy,” he wrote, signaling that his influence will continue beyond the gridiron. As he embarks on this new chapter, Ndamukong Suh remains a towering figure in football history, remembered not only for his dominance but for his influence on and off the field.
