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Ndamukong Suh announces retirement from NFL concluding legendary career

Andrew Olson

By Andrew Olson

Published:

Ndamukong Suh has made it official that his professional football has come to a close.

On the anniversary of his father’s passing, Suh announced his retirement from the NFL. In a lengthy social media post, Suh revealed that his father suggested it was time to move on from football just before his passing.

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. 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.

“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.

“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, who has his number retired at Nebraska, began his pro career in 2010 when he was selected No. 2 overall in the draft by the Detroit Lions. He spent his first 5 seasons with the Lions before stops with Miami Dolphins (2015-17), Los Angeles Rams (2018), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-21) and Philadelphia Eagles (2022).

Suh collected a long list of accolades in his pro career. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2010, the same season as his first of 5 All-Pro selections and 5 Pro Bowls. He was also named to the NFL’s 2010s All-Decade Team.

It was near the end of his playing career that Suh collected a Super Bowl ring. He was part of the Tampa Bay squad that won Super Bowl LV for the 2020 season.

Suh last played in 2022, but had not formally retired. In his social media post, he states that he is starting a podcast.

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.