Ndamukong Suh Shares Emotional Tribute Amid Retirement

Ndamukong Suh became known as one of the NFL’s fiercest defensive tackles during his 13-year career, but he has officially ended it with a touching tribute.

Suh, 38, announced his retirement from the NFL on July 12 after nearly three years out of the league. He last played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.

“July 12, 2024 was the hardest day of my life,” Suh wrote via social media.

“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.”

Suh’s late father, Michael, came from Cameroon, where he excelled in soccer as a member of the national team. Michael Suh moved to Portland, Oregon, where he met his wife and ran a heating and cooling company.

Ndamukong Suh emerged as a football star in the Portland area with Grant High School, and he also excelled in track and field, soccer, and basketball. Suh then played at Nebraska in college between 2005 and 2009, where he became an All-American before the Detroit Lions took him in the 2010 NFL Draft with the No. 2 pick.

“Every snap I took in football carried his fingerprint,” Suh wrote about his father. “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.”

Suh made a name for himself in the NFL right away as the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He made first team All-Pro three times and second team twice in addition to five Pro Bowl appearances.

Suh tallied 71.5 sacks, 600 tackles, five forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, 38 pass deflections, one interception, and three defensive touchdowns. His prowess helped the Lions post two winning seasons in four years, but Suh’s winningest time came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers between 2019 and 2021.

Suh also helped the Miami Dolphins make the playoffs in 2016, and he helped the Los Angeles Rams reach the Super Bowl in 2018. In addition, his final season with the Eagles in 2022 culminated in a Super Bowl appearance. However, those two aforementioned appearances resulted in losses.

Since his playing days, Suh has continued his off-field success in various business ventures. That includes his “No Free Lunch” podcast, which he promoted amid his retirement announcement.

“Before he passed, he gave me one final piece of advice,” Suh wrote about his father.

“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. Because I’ve been preparing for this moment for years. Football was my passion, but it was never my endgame. My next season is about impact, purpose, and legacy. About helping others build wealth, lead with intention, and create lasting freedom.”

Suh has a degree in construction management, and he has been active in investing in various companies and real estate.

“I’ve lived. I’ve learned. I’ve built. I’ve failed. I’ve succeeded,” Suh wrote.

“And now I want to share what I’ve learned, especially with athletes, entrepreneurs, and young people navigating life and money.

“That’s why I created the No Free Lunch podcast. It’s about real conversations, real strategy, and real education. Because freedom doesn’t come from fame, it comes from knowledge and how you move.”