Ndamukong Suh has officially announced his retirement from professional football, marking the end of a storied NFL career. The former defensive tackle made the announcement on the first anniversary of his father’s death, reflecting on the powerful influence his father had on his life and career. In a heartfelt message, Suh shared the final advice his father gave him: “It’s time to let football go. You’ve done everything you set out to do. Now it’s time for the next chapter.”
Honoring that guidance, Suh stated that he is stepping away from the game with peace and gratitude. At 38 years old, Suh has not played in the NFL for the past two seasons, but his presence and legacy still resonate throughout the league.
Drafted second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, Suh began his career with the Detroit Lions, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dominant defensive players. In his rookie season, he recorded a career-high 10 sacks and earned All-Pro honors as well as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award. That season marked the beginning of a career filled with accolades and achievements.
Over his NFL journey, Suh played for five teams: the Lions (2010–2014), Dolphins (2015–2017), Rams (2018), Buccaneers (2019–2021), and Eagles (2022). One of the highlights of his career came in 2020 when he won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay. Known for his strength, tenacity, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses, Suh accumulated 600 tackles and 71.5 sacks during his career. He also forced five fumbles, recovered nine — three of which he returned for touchdowns — and notched one interception. His durability and consistency were evident, as he appeared in 199 games and started all but eight.
Suh’s impact extended beyond the field. He was named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, highlighting his lasting influence throughout that era. Despite his fierce reputation on the gridiron, Suh has also focused on life beyond football, preparing for retirement well in advance.
Now, as he closes the chapter on his playing days, Suh is turning his attention to new ventures. He currently hosts the “No Free Lunch” podcast, where he shares insights on life, finance, and personal development. His goal is to help others learn how to navigate challenges and opportunities beyond the world of sports.
Reflecting on his career, Suh expressed deep satisfaction: “I left it all on the field.” Though football was his passion, he emphasized that it was never his final destination. His retirement marks the conclusion of an impactful NFL journey and the beginning of a new phase filled with purpose and vision.
