By Mmesoma 
After 13 impactful seasons in the National Football League, five-time Pro Bowler and former Detroit Lions standout Ndamukong Suh has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The 37-year-old defensive tackle made the announcement Tuesday morning via social media and a special appearance on ESPN’s NFL Live, marking the end of a storied career that began as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.
> “It’s been an incredible journey — from Detroit to Miami, to L.A., Tampa, and Philly,” Suh said. “I gave everything I had to the game of football, and I’m proud of the legacy I leave behind. Now it’s time to turn the page.”
Dominance from Day One
Suh burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie with the Detroit Lions, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2010 after recording 10 sacks and quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared interior linemen in the league. Known for his elite combination of power, agility, and disruptive force in the trenches, Suh was a nightmare for offensive linemen throughout the early 2010s.
He spent five seasons in Detroit (2010–2014), becoming a foundational piece of the Lions’ defense and earning four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors during that span. His aggressive, no-nonsense style made him both a fan favorite in the Motor City and a controversial figure around the league.
A Champion and Veteran Leader
After leaving Detroit in 2015, Suh signed a massive deal with the Miami Dolphins, where he continued to play at a high level. He later joined the Los Angeles Rams, helping them reach Super Bowl LIII, and then landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he achieved the pinnacle of success — winning Super Bowl LV in the 2020 season.
He finished his career with a brief stint on the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, helping them reach Super Bowl LVII.
Over 218 career games, Suh recorded 71.5 sacks, over 600 total tackles, and five forced fumbles, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most durable and consistent defensive linemen of his era.
A Lasting Legacy
While Suh was no stranger to fines and controversy early in his career, his maturity and evolution into a respected veteran voice in locker rooms stood out in later years. He’s also built a strong presence off the field, investing in real estate, mentoring young players, and appearing as an NFL analyst.
> “I’ve always believed in leaving things better than I found them,” Suh said. “That applies to football, business, and life.”
For Detroit fans, Suh’s retirement marks the end of a connection to one of the franchise’s most dominant defensive eras. Though his career took him to multiple teams, many still remember him best in Honolulu blue — charging through offensive lines at Ford Field.
What’s Next?
Suh has already hinted at plans to expand his role in broadcasting and pursue more business ventures, but he also emphasized his desire to remain connected to the game, possibly through mentoring or front-office roles in the future.
Regardless of what comes next, Suh’s place in NFL history is secure.
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Career Highlights:
5× Pro Bowler (2010, 2012–2014, 2016)
3× First-Team All-Pro
2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Super Bowl LV Champion (Buccaneers)
2010s NFL All-Decade Team
Final Stats:
218 games played
71.5 sacks
614 total tackles
5 forced fumbles
1 career touchdown