Ndamukong Suh picked July 12, 2025, to announce his NFL retirement for a reason. It marked exactly one year since his father died. The 38-year-old defensive tackle posted the news on social media, ending a 13-year career that included 71.5 sacks, 600 tackles, and one Super Bowl ring.
The timing hit hard, though. Before his father passed, he told Suh, "It's time to let football go. You've done everything you set out to do." Those words stuck with the five-time Pro Bowler for a whole year – and now he's honoring that final wish.
Numbers Tell the Truth
Suh dominated from day one. The Detroit Lions drafted him second overall in 2010, and he immediately wrecked opposing offenses. His rookie year was: 10 sacks, 66 tackles, and the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Not bad for a 23-year-old from Portland.
In almost 200 regular-season games, Suh terrorized quarterbacks with five different teams. He made five Pro Bowls, earned three All-Pro selections, and played in three Super Bowls.
The big man will join Tom Brady and J.J. Watt in the Hall of Fame eligibility class of 2028. Although it’s too soon to tell what chance he has of getting in, odds are already up for the 2026 intake, with Drew Brees (-12500), Larry Fitzgerald (-1250), and Luke Kuechly (-450) among the early favorites. According to Adam Haynes from Top Offshore Sportsbooks, there are plenty of other ways for fans to back these players, as these sites cover football seasons from start to finish. This means you can wager on betting odds for teams to win the Super Bowl or their respective conferences in advance. There will also be player props betting, such as those for stat leaders and MVPs.
Money Talks, Suh Walked
Suh's bank account tells its own story. After five years in Detroit, he signed a monster deal with Miami in 2015 – six years, $114 million, with $60 million guaranteed. That made him the highest-paid defensive player ever at the time. The Dolphins cut him after just three seasons, but Suh had already secured his financial future.
His total NFL earnings surpassed $150 million, not counting endorsements. Innovative money management followed. Suh consulted with Warren Buffett throughout his career and recently launched a podcast called "No Free Lunch" about investing. The man planned.
Championship Run in Tampa
Suh's best career move came in 2019 when he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Tom Brady. At 33, most defensive tackles slow down. Not Suh, though. He anchored a defense that dominated the 2020 playoffs, helping the Bucs win Super Bowl LV.
In that championship game against Kansas City, Suh recorded 1.5 sacks and constantly pressured Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs managed just 9 points. After years of individual success, Suh finally had his ring. He'd previously reached Super Bowl LIII with the Rams but lost to New England 13-3.
Dirty Player Debate
Suh played angrily, and it cost him – the NFL fined him more than $200k in his first four seasons. He got suspended twice, including the infamous 2011 Thanksgiving game when he stomped on a Packers lineman's arm.
A 2011 poll named him the NFL's dirtiest player. Forbes called him the league's least-liked player in 2012. But here's the thing – his penalty numbers dropped significantly later in his career. In 2019, refs flagged him just five times all season. Former teammates praised his leadership. Coaches loved his work ethic, and maybe the reputation overshadowed the player.
Life After Football
Suh saw retirement coming years ago. He earned a degree in construction management from Nebraska and discussed becoming a general contractor. His dad, Michael, owned a heating and cooling company in Portland, so business runs in the family.
The numbers back up Suh's Hall of Fame case. His 71.5 sacks rank among the best for defensive tackles. He was named to the NFL's All-2010s Team. He scored three defensive touchdowns on fumble returns, including two in 2019 that tied a Buccaneers record.
But stats only tell part of the story. Offensive coordinators game-planned specifically for Suh every week. Centers and guards lost sleep before facing him. In an era when the NFL protects quarterbacks more than ever, Suh played like defensive tackles did in the 1980s – mean, physical, and relentless.
His father's influence affected everything – Michael Suh stood just 5-foot-8 but raised a giant. The name Ndamukong means "House of Spears" in the Ngemba language of Cameroon. For 13 NFL seasons, that spear pierced through offensive lines from Detroit to Philly. Now it's sheathed for good, precisely as his father wished.
___
Sports Team History is your ultimate destination to explore the rich heritage and iconic logos of professional sports teams across MLB, MLS, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, Premier League, WNBA, UFL, XFL, ABA, AAF, and USFL. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales and memorable moments that have shaped each team's legacy.
But that's not all! At Sports Team History, we believe in celebrating the exceptional talents that have graced the sports world. That's why we're thrilled to announce our upcoming "Greatest Player Poll" where fans like you can cast your votes and have your say in determining the greatest players of all time in various sports.
Our partner site, Sports Logo History, offers a vibrant community of logo enthusiasts who appreciate the evolution of team visual identities. Dive into detailed analysis and discussions surrounding logos representing the teams we love. Stay updated with Sports News History, providing 24/7 sports news coverage to keep you informed and engaged with the latest developments. Lastly, explore the premier sports team marketplace at Sports Store History, where you'll find a wide selection of jerseys, caps, and collectibles to showcase your team spirit. Embark on a journey through time, celebrate team logos, stay informed with the latest news, and discover unique sports memorabilia to enhance your collection. Let Sports Team History fuel your passion for sports.