Ndamukong Suh, a seasoned defensive lineman who made a significant impact over his 13-year NFL career, has announced his retirement from professional football. The announcement was made on social media, coinciding with the poignant date of July 12, marking one year since the passing of his father in 2023.
Suh’s last season was with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, where he played eight games and recorded 10 tackles and one sack after joining the team mid-season. Despite expressing interest in potentially rejoining another team, including conversations with the Baltimore Ravens and a visit with the Miami Dolphins, he remained unsigned as the new season approached, leading to speculation about his retirement.
Drafted in the first round in 2010 and renowned for his stellar college career at Nebraska, Suh quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players. He achieved impressive success with the Detroit Lions, earning five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods, with 36 sacks in his first five years.
In 2015, he signed one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history with the Miami Dolphins, a six-year deal worth $114 million. However, his time in Miami did not yield the expected results, ultimately leading to his release after three seasons. However, his trajectory shifted positively thereafter, culminating in a Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020.
Suh’s legacy as a player remains strong, with many considering him a contender for the Hall of Fame. His inclusion in the Hall’s All-2010s team alongside other top defensive tackles bolsters his standing as one of the giants of his era.
As fans and players reflect on his contributions to the game, Suh’s career serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that athletes can experience, highlighting resilience and the spirit of competition in professional sports.