Detroit Lions Legend Announces NFL Retirement

One of the best defensive linemen and a Detroit Lions legend said goodbye to professional football over the weekend, as Ndamukong Suh officially announced his NFL retirement.

Suh hadn't played in a game since the 2022 campaign, though analysts connected him to various teams as a potential free-agent target over the past couple of regular seasons.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 draft, Suh was a member of the Detroit Lions for the first five campaigns of his 13-year career and was utterly dominant over that stretch. He earned four Pro-Bowl nods and made four All-Pro teams (three first-team selections) while in Detroit. The defensive tackle also earned Rookie of the Year honors from the Associated Press in 2010.

Suh went on to play stints for the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Philadelphia Eagles. He won a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs following the 2020 season.

Suh announced his retirement via social media on Saturday, July 12, exactly one year after the death of his father.

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," Suh posted to his X account. "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. So today, one year later, I’m honoring that wish. I’m officially retiring from the NFL."