Former NFL standout Ndamukong Suh has officially called time on his professional American football career, marking the occasion with a heartfelt message on the anniversary of his father’s passing.
Suh, 38, described his father as “my idol, my coach, and my anchor,” and said his dad’s final piece of advice played a big part in his decision to retire.
“He told me, ‘It’s time to let football go. You’ve achieved everything you set out to. Now it’s time for the next chapter.’ That conversation stayed with me,” Suh wrote in his statement on social media.
“Today, one year later, I’m honouring that wish. I’m officially retiring from the NFL.”
Suh was a massive presence in the NFL after being selected second overall in the 2010 draft by the Detroit Lions. He built an illustrious 13-year career, turning out for the Lions, Miami Dolphins, LA Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (where he won a Super Bowl ring in 2020) and finally, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Though he hadn’t played in the league for two seasons, his retirement still marks the end of an era. Suh earned three All-Pro selections and was named to the NFL’s Hall of Fame All-2010s team, a nod to his consistency and dominance on the field.
In total, he made 600 tackles and 71.5 sacks across 199 games. He started all of those except for the eight he played with the Eagles in his final season. His stats also include an interception, five forced fumbles, and three touchdowns off fumble recoveries.
Reflecting on his career, Suh said: “I left it all on the field, and now I’m stepping away with peace and gratitude. I’ve been preparing for this moment for years. Football was my passion, but it was never the endgame.”
Suh has since turned his attention to life beyond the game. He now hosts a podcast titled No Free Lunch, where he shares insights into life, money, and building a future beyond sport.
July 12, 2024 was the hardest day of my life.
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… pic.twitter.com/WkefQaDrsQ— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) July 12, 2025
Photo: Perry Knotts/Getty Images
