A five-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro and Super Bowl LV champion, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh officially announced his retirement from the NFL after thirteen seasons on Saturday.
Suh broke the news on the one year anniversary of his father's passing, saying in a social media statement that his decision to hang up the cleats came in part due to his father's words.
"He wasn't just a dad. He was my idol, my coach, and my anchor. He taught me what it meant to be disciplined, focused, and relentless in everything I do. Every snap I took in football carried his fingerprint. Every time I lined up across from someone, I could hear his voice pushing me, reminding me that I wasn't just representing myself. I was representing him, my family, my name," Suh said. "Before he passed, he gave me one final piece of advice, 'It's time to let football go. You've done everything you set out to do. Now it's time for the next chapter.' That conversation stayed with me. So today, one year later, I'm honoring that wish. I'm officially retiring from the NFL."
Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions at No. 2 overall in 2010, and was an immediate impact. He started every game his rookie season, racking up 66 tackles and what would be a career-high 10 sacks, also tacking on three passes defensed, a forced fumble and an interception. His initial performance earned him his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, as well as AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
The defensive tackle had four total Pro Bowl appearances in his first five years in Detroit, then moved on to the Miami Dolphins for the next three seasons, during which he added one more nod. Suh went on to play with the Rams in 2018, then the Buccaneers from 2019-2021, and won a Super Bowl with the latter.
Suh's final season on the field came in 2022 after he signed midyear with the Philadelphia Eagles, playing eight regular season games and three in the playoffs on the way to another Super Bowl appearance.
Since the end of that season Suh has ben a free agent, debating joining a new team at times, but ultimately deciding not to. Now with Saturday's announcement any thought of a comeback has been put to bed. In total, Suh finishes his career with 199 regular-season games played, 600 tackles, 71.5 sacks and 214 quarterback hits.
"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. Because I've been preparing for this moment for years. Football was my passion, but it was never my endgame," Suh wrote. "...Now I'm using my platform to serve something bigger. If you've ever followed my journey… Thank you. If you've ever cheered, supported, critiqued, or pushed me, you're part of the reason I kept going. And if you're wondering what's next: Tune in. Follow along. I'm just getting started."
