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Buccaneers Super Bowl Champion Calls It Quits
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ndamukong Suh, the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman, is widely regarded as one of the greatest interior defensive linemen of his era. The Nebraska standout was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in 2010 and went on to have a 12-season NFL career, playing for five teams, including a three-year stint with the Buccaneers.

Suh announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday morning via a social media post, bringing an end to his playing career after the 2022 season.

Via Suh’s social media,

“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 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.

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.

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.

Because I’ve been preparing for this moment for years. Football was my passion, but it was never my endgame.

My next season is about impact, purpose, and legacy. About helping others build wealth, lead with intention, and create lasting freedom.

I’ve lived, I’ve learned, I’ve built, I’ve failed, I’ve succeeded. And now I want to share what I’ve learned; especially with athletes, entrepreneurs, and young people navigating life and money.

That’s why I created the No Free Lunch podcast. It’s about real conversations, real strategy, and real education. Because freedom doesn’t come from fame, it comes from knowledge and how you move.

Now I’m using my platform to serve something bigger. If you’ve ever followed my journey… Thank you. If you’ve ever cheered, supported, critiqued, or pushed me, you’re part of the reason I kept going.

And if you’re wondering what’s next: Tune in. Follow along. I’m just getting started.

@ndamukong_suh
No Free Lunch Show


Rest in power, Dad,
Your mission lives on through me.”

Suh’s NFL career culminated in a Super Bowl win during his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Despite spending most of his career with the Detroit Lions, Suh brought crucial grit and leadership to the Buccaneers’ defensive line, helping the team claim their second Lombardi Trophy.

He was a dominant force on the field, feared by opposing offenses for his strength, durability, and relentless mentality. Over his 12-season career, he earned numerous accolades, including:
• 5 All-Pro selections (3 First-team)
• 5 Pro Bowl appearances
• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2010)
• NFL All-Decade Team (2010s)

Suh’s presence on the field was a game-changer. He was a reliable and impactful force who motivated his teammates and intimidated opponents. His contributions to the Buccaneers were instrumental in their Super Bowl victory, and it’s difficult to imagine them winning the championship without his veteran leadership and strong performance.

This article first appeared on Bucs Report and was syndicated with permission.

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