Philadelphia, PA - April 20, 2025 - Ndamukong Suh, a former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle and one of the NFL’s most formidable linemen, has announced his retirement at age 38, closing a 13-year career marked by dominance, controversy, and a Super Bowl title. The five-time Pro Bowler shared the news in a heartfelt statement on his social media, reflecting on his journey from a standout at Nebraska to a feared presence across five NFL teams.
“After much thought, I’m stepping away from the game I love,” Suh wrote. “From Portland to the Super Bowl, I gave everything to this sport. Thank you to my family, teammates, and fans.”
Suh, selected second overall by the Detroit Lions in 2010, played his final NFL season with the Eagles in 2022. Joining Philadelphia midseason, he appeared in eight regular-season games, recording one sack, 10 tackles, and two quarterback hits, bolstering a run defense that helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII, where they fell 38-35 to Kansas City. His brief stint showcased his enduring physicality, even at 35, as he teamed with Linval Joseph to stabilize the line during injuries to Jordan Davis.
A unanimous All-American at Nebraska, Suh won the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year and multiple defensive awards in 2009. His NFL career spanned the Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Eagles, amassing 71.5 sacks, 130 tackles for loss, and three Super Bowl appearances (LIII, LV, LVII). Suh’s lone championship came with Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV, sacking Patrick Mahomes twice in a 31-9 rout.
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Known for his aggressive style, Suh faced criticism early on, earning a “dirtiest player” label in a 2012 Sporting News poll and $216,875 in fines for on-field violations. Yet, his teams valued his disruptive presence, with a PFF run-defense grade of 68.9 and 54.6 pass-rush grade in 2022.
Suh’s retirement follows a quiet 2023-2024, with visits to teams like the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens but no contracts. Off the field, the Construction Management graduate from Nebraska plans to pursue real estate and contracting, leveraging investments made during his career, which Forbes estimated generated $38.5 million annually at its peak.
Eagles coach Nick Sirianni praised Suh’s impact: “Ndamukong brought intensity and leadership. He’s a true professional.” As Suh exits, his legacy as a relentless competitor endures, with Canton a possible destination.
