Ndamukong Suh announces NFL retirement following 13-year career

Ndamukong Suh is calling it quits after thirteen years in the NFL.

Suh, 38, announced his retirement on Saturday through a heartfelt message on social media, one year after the death of his father.

“July 12, 2024, was the hardest day of my life,” the statement read. “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.”

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (93) reacts to a play during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. USA Today Sports

Suh, who has not played in the NFL since 2022 but was not officially retired, said that his father was the one who ultimately encouraged him to move on from football.

“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,” Suh continued. “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.”

Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. Getty Images

Suh was drafted by the Lions with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and spent his first five seasons in Detroit where he was named 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with making back-to-back All-Pro teams in 2013-14.

The Nebraska alum was also a Super Bowl champion as a member of the Buccaneers in 2020.

Suh amassed 600 tackles, 130 tackles for loss, and 71.5 sacks over his 13-year NFL career.