By Sunday 
“It’s time to let football go.” — Ndamukong Suh, July 12, 2025
The moment longtime NFL fans always knew would come — but probably never wanted to — arrived quietly, reflectively, and powerfully on July 12, 2025. Ndamukong Suh, one of the fiercest and most dominant defensive linemen of his generation, officially announced his retirement from the NFL after 13 remarkable seasons.
And true to his character, Suh did it on his own terms.
A Farewell With Heart
Suh didn’t just announce his retirement — he timed it with purpose. The date marked one year since the passing of his father, a man who was instrumental in Suh’s development both on and off the field. In an emotional message shared via social media, Suh explained that his father once told him he had “done everything [he] set out to do.” And now, he’s ready to shift his energy elsewhere.
It wasn’t just a goodbye to football — it was a tribute. A closing chapter that felt more like a love letter than a press release.
From Rookie Phenom to Franchise Foundation
Detroit fans will always remember the day Suh entered the league — No. 2 overall pick in 2010 out of Nebraska, already a Heisman finalist as a defensive player. That kind of hype is rare. But Suh? He lived up to it immediately.
In his rookie season, Suh became a wrecking ball on the Lions’ defensive line. He racked up 10 sacks, earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, and laid the foundation for the intensity Detroit fans came to expect from him.
By the time he left Detroit in 2015, Suh had recorded 36.0 sacks, four Pro Bowls, and three All-Pro selections. More than stats, though, he gave the Lions something they hadn’t had in a long time — an identity on defense.
A Championship Chapter — and Then Some
After Detroit, Suh’s journey took him across the league — Miami, L.A., Tampa Bay, Philly — but it was with the Buccaneers where he claimed the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl ring in 2021, helping shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in dominant fashion.
He wrapped up his career with:
- 71.5 sacks
- 600 tackles
- 4 interceptions
- And a reputation as one of the most durable and disruptive interior linemen of the modern era.
What’s Next? Suh’s Not Slowing Down
Now retired, Suh isn’t planning to disappear from the spotlight — just shift it. He’s already making waves with his No Free Lunch podcast, diving deep into financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and mentorship, especially for young athletes and underserved communities.
And if you know Suh, you know he’s just getting started.
A Detroit Legend Forever
Even though Suh’s career took him around the league, his heart and legacy still resonate deeply in Detroit. He wore the Honolulu blue with pride, and his time as a Lion helped define a gritty era of defense for a team that desperately needed it.
Whether it’s Canton-bound recognition someday or continued work in business and education, Suh’s story is far from over.
But today, we celebrate the end of one chapter — and what a chapter it was.