Ndamukong Suh facts for kids

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Ndamukong Suh

Suh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021

No. 90, 93, 74

Position:

Defensive tackle

Personal information

Born:

January 6, 1987 (age 38)
Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Height:

6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)

Weight:

313 lb (142 kg)

Career information

High school:

Grant (Portland, Oregon)

College:

Nebraska (2005–2009)

NFL Draft:

2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2

Career history

Career highlights and awards

Super Bowl champion (LV)
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2010)
3× First-team All-Pro (2010, 2013, 2014)
2× Second-team All-Pro (2012, 2016)
5× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012–2014, 2016)
NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2010)
Outland Trophy (2009)
Lombardi Award (2009)
Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2009)
Chuck Bednarik Award (2009)
Bill Willis Trophy (2009)
AP College Football Player of the Year (2009)
Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2009)
Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (2009)
Unanimous All-American (2009)
2× first-team All-Big 12 (2008, 2009)
Nebraska Cornhuskers No. 93 retired

Career NFL statistics

Total tackles:	600
Sacks:	71.5
Forced fumbles:	5
Fumble recoveries:	9
Pass deflections:	38
Interceptions:	1
Defensive touchdowns:	3

Player stats at PFR

Ndamukong Ngwa Suh (born January 6, 1987) is a famous American football player. He used to play as a defensive tackle, which is a strong position on the defense. He played college football at the University of Nebraska and was picked very early in the 2010 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He also played for other teams like the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. He even played in three Super Bowls!

When he was in college, Ndamukong Suh won many big awards, showing he was one of the best players. He was even named the best college football player by the Associated Press.

With the Lions, Suh was chosen for many All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams. He was even named the best defensive rookie in 2010! Later, he signed a very big contract with the Miami Dolphins, becoming one of the highest-paid defensive players. He was known for playing very aggressively, and was even named to the NFL's team of the best players from the 2010s.

Early Life and High School Sports

Ndamukong Suh was born in Portland, Oregon. He went to Grant High School there. He was a star athlete in four different sports: football, basketball, soccer, and track and field.

In football, he played on both offense and defense as a lineman. In his senior year, he made 65 tackles and 10 sacks. He was named a high school All-American by Parade magazine. He also won the Defensive Player of the Year award for his league.

Suh was also great at track and field. He was one of the best in the state at shot put. In 2005, he won the state championship in shot put with a school record throw. Because he was so good at many sports, he was a finalist for the Portland Tribune Athlete of the Year award.

Many colleges wanted Suh to play for them. He was considered one of the top defensive tackles in the country. He chose to play for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2005.

College Football Career

Suh playing in the 2009 Holiday Bowl

Suh played for the University of Nebraska from 2005 to 2009. In his first year, 2005, he played in only two games before needing knee surgery. He was given a medical redshirt, which means he didn't lose a year of eligibility.

In 2006, Suh played in all 14 games as a backup. He was named an All-Big 12 freshman. He had 19 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In 2007, he started 11 games and made 34 tackles.

His junior year in 2008 was impressive. Suh led his team with 76 tackles and 7.5 sacks. He even scored two touchdowns by intercepting the ball and running it back! He also caught a touchdown pass while playing fullback. He was named First-team All-Big 12.

In 2009, his senior year, Suh had an amazing season. He made 85 tackles, 12 sacks, and blocked three kicks. He helped the Nebraska defense become one of the best in the country. In the Big 12 Championship Game, he had a record-setting 12 tackles and 4.5 sacks. He was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Suh won many major awards in 2009, including the AP College Football Player of the Year. He also won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Outland Trophy. These awards are given to the best defensive player or lineman in college football. He was recognized as an All-American by everyone. He was even a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, which is usually given to offensive players.

College Statistics

Season	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions			Fumbles
Season	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	TfL	Sck	PD	Int	TD	FF	FR	QBH	Blk
2005	Nebraska	2	0	1	0	1	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2006	Nebraska	14	0	19	12	7	7	3.5	0	1	0	1	0	2	0
2007	Nebraska	12	11	34	22	12	6	1.0	2	0	0	0	0	4	1
2008	Nebraska	13	13	76	39	37	16	7.5	3	2	2	1	0	7	2
2009	Nebraska	14	14	85	52	33	20.5	12.0	10	1	0	1	0	28	3
Career		55	38	215	125	90	49.5	24.0	15	4	2	3	0	41	6

Professional Football Career

Suh was considered one of the best players available in the 2010 NFL draft. Many experts thought he would be picked first overall. He was known for being a very strong defensive player.

Detroit Lions (2010–2014)

The Detroit Lions picked Suh as the second overall player in the 2010 NFL draft. He signed a five-year contract worth $68 million.

2010 Season

In his first NFL game, Suh got his first sack against Jay Cutler. He also made his first career interception. He even scored his first NFL touchdown by recovering a fumble.

Suh led all rookies and defensive tackles with 10 sacks in 2010. He was chosen to start in the Pro Bowl, which is a big honor for a rookie. He won many awards, including NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Suh was sometimes fined for his actions on the field. He was fined for things like facemasking and using an opponent for leverage.

2011 Season

Suh with the Lions in 2011

During a Thanksgiving game in 2011, Suh was ejected from the game for pushing and stomping on an opponent's arm. The NFL suspended him for two games without pay. This was because it was not his first time being disciplined for his actions. Suh said he made a mistake and would learn from it. He finished the season with four sacks.

2012 Season

In another Thanksgiving game in 2012, Suh kicked a Houston Texans quarterback. He was fined $30,000 for this. Suh said it was an accident. He finished the 2012 season with eight sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl.

2013 Season

In 2013, Suh was fined $100,000 for a low block during a play. This was one of the largest fines ever for an on-field action. He was also fined for a throat slash gesture. Suh finished the season with 5.5 sacks and was named to the Pro Bowl again.

2014 Season

Suh played all 16 games in 2014, getting 8.5 sacks. In the last game of the season, he stepped on Aaron Rodgers' calf. He was suspended for one playoff game, but the suspension was changed to a $70,000 fine after an appeal. He played in the playoff game and had two sacks. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time.

Miami Dolphins (2015–2017)

2015 Season

In 2015, Suh signed a huge six-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. This made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time. He played all 16 games, making 61 tackles and six sacks.

2016 Season

In 2016, Suh played all 16 games again, with 72 tackles and five sacks. He was chosen for his fifth Pro Bowl.

2017 Season

In 2017, Suh had 4.5 sacks. After three seasons, the Dolphins released him to save money.

Los Angeles Rams (2018)

Suh being interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning the NFC Championship

In 2018, Suh signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Rams. He had 4.5 sacks that season. The Rams had a great year, winning 13 games. Suh helped the Rams win the NFC Championship Game, getting 1.5 sacks. This meant he reached the Super Bowl for the first time in his career. The Rams lost the Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019–2021)

2019 Season

Suh signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. He had a great season, recovering two fumbles and returning them for touchdowns! This tied a team record. He finished with 2.5 sacks and four fumble recoveries. He was named to the NFL All-2010s Team.

2020 Season

Suh re-signed with the Buccaneers for another year. He had two sacks in Week 2. He finished the 2020 season with six sacks. In February 2021, Suh won his first Super Bowl when the Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV. He had 1.5 sacks in that game.

2021 Season

Suh signed with the Buccaneers again for the 2021 season. He played all 17 games and recorded six sacks.

Philadelphia Eagles (2022)

In November 2022, Suh signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. He played in eight games and had one sack. He reached his third Super Bowl, Super Bowl LVII, with the Eagles, but they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Style of Play

Early in his career, Suh was known for his very aggressive style of play. He sometimes received penalties and fines for his actions on the field. However, as his career went on, he was flagged for fewer penalties. While some saw him as a tough player, his teams found his style very effective.

NFL Career Statistics

Legend
	Won the Super Bowl
Bold	Career high

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Fumbles				Interceptions
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	FF	FR	Yds	TD	PD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
2010	DET	16	16	66	49	17	10.0	—	1	1	17	1	3	1	20	20.0	20	0
2011	DET	14	14	36	26	10	4.0	—	—	—	—	—	1	—	—	—	—	—
2012	DET	16	16	34	24	10	8.0	—	—	—	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—
2013	DET	16	16	49	36	13	5.5	1	1	—	—	—	6	—	—	—	—	—
2014	DET	16	16	53	44	9	8.5	—	—	—	—	—	3	—	—	—	—	—
2015	MIA	16	16	61	38	23	6.0	—	—	—	—	—	5	—	—	—	—	—
2016	MIA	16	16	72	40	32	5.0	—	—	1	—	—	6	—	—	—	—	—
2017	MIA	16	16	48	29	19	4.5	—	2	—	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—
2018	LAR	16	16	59	36	23	4.5	—	—	2	—	—	4	—	—	—	—	—
2019	TB	16	16	41	22	19	2.5	—	—	4	43	2	4	—	—	—	—	—
2020	TB	16	16	44	27	17	6.0	—	1	—	—	—	2	—	—	—	—	—
2021	TB	17	17	27	15	12	6.0	—	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022	PHI	8	0	10	4	6	1.0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Career		199	191	600	392	208	71.5	1	5	9	60	3	38	1	20	20.0	20	0

Postseason Statistics

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Fumbles				Interceptions
Year	Team	GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	FF	FR	Yds	TD	PD	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD
2011	DET	1	1	3	0	3	0.5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2014	DET	1	1	3	3	0	2.0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2016	MIA	1	1	4	4	0	1.0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2018	LAR	3	3	10	6	4	1.5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2020	TB	4	4	10	4	6	1.5	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2021	TB	2	2	8	4	4	0.5	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2022	PHI	3	0	2	1	1	0.0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Career		15	12	40	22	18	7.0	—	1	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—

Personal Life and Family Background

Ndamukong Suh's mother, Bernadette, is from Spanish Town, Jamaica. She was an elementary school teacher. His father, Michael Suh, is from Cameroon. He was a mechanical engineer and played semi-professional soccer in Germany. They met in Portland, Oregon.

Suh has a degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. He hopes to work as a general contractor after his football career. His father owns a heating and cooling company.

Suh has four sisters. His older sister, Odette, played college soccer and was on the Cameroon women's national football team. His cousin, Kameron Chatman, played college basketball.

Suh is a fan of the English soccer team Arsenal F.C.. He has also appeared on TV shows like The Choice and Splash.

Donations and Endorsements

In 2010, Suh donated $2.6 million to the University of Nebraska. Most of the money went to the school's Strength and Conditioning Program. The rest created a scholarship for engineering students. This was the largest donation ever by a former player to the university. In 2013, he also donated $250,000 to his old high school for a new turf field.

Suh has signed endorsement deals with big companies like Nike, Subway, Dick's Sporting Goods, Omaha Steaks, and Chrysler.

Images for kids

Suh with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021
Suh playing in the 2009 Holiday Bowl
Suh with the Lions in 2011
Suh being interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning the NFC Championship