Detroit Lions vs. Oakland Raiders
On the anniversary of his father’s passing, Ndamukong Suh has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, bringing a close to a 13-year career filled with intensity, dominance, and unforgettable moments. The former Detroit Lions defensive tackle shared that the memory of his father—and his final words—played a key role in the decision.
July 12, 2024, marked the toughest day of Suh’s life, as he said goodbye to the man who had been his biggest inspiration and mentor. A year later, on the same date, Suh decided it was time to hang up his cleats, honoring the guidance his father had left him with: “You’ve accomplished all you set out to do. Now, it’s time to move on.”
“That day changed everything,” Suh said. “My dad wasn’t just my father—he was my role model, my motivator, my foundation. He showed me what it meant to be driven, to be locked in, to never settle. Every time I stepped on the field, I was carrying his lessons with me. Every play was for him, for our name, for our family. So now, I’m listening to him one more time, and I’m stepping away from the game.”
The Rise and Reign of Suh
Selected second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Suh quickly established himself as a game-changer. In his rookie year, he delivered a jaw-dropping 10 sacks, forced a turnover, scored a defensive touchdown, and earned First-Team All-Pro honors along with the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He didn’t just join the Lions—he gave their defense an identity.
During his five seasons in Detroit, Suh made the All-Pro team three times and amassed 36 sacks. His combination of strength, technique, and intensity helped propel the Lions to a rare playoff appearance in 2011. Though often penalized for his aggressive play, Suh commanded respect from teammates and opponents alike. He was physical, he was disruptive, and above all, he was consistent.
After his time in Detroit, Suh signed a massive contract with the Miami Dolphins and later had stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Remarkably, he appeared in the Super Bowl with each of those teams, capturing a championship ring with Tampa Bay in 2020. He concluded his playing career in 2022 after a season in Philadelphia.
A New Chapter Begins
Though he’s been away from the field for two seasons, Suh made it official: his playing days are over. Now, his focus turns to a different type of influence—educating others and building a legacy off the gridiron. Through his podcast “No Free Lunch” and ongoing work in financial literacy, Suh is aiming to empower others with the same intensity he brought to football.
Whether admired for his dominance or criticized for his aggressive style, Ndamukong Suh left a lasting impression in Detroit and across the NFL. His departure from the game signals the end of an era—and a reminder of the kind of toughness and presence that teams still strive to recapture
