Career Timeline of Ndamukong Suh: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 13, 2025

How Ndamukong Suh built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ndamukong Suh is a former American professional football defensive tackle. He was a unanimous All-American at the University of Nebraska before being drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in 2010. Suh played 13 seasons in the NFL, also playing for the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. He reached the Super Bowl three times, with the Rams (LIII), Buccaneers (LV), and Eagles (LVII).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2009: Earning All-American Honors

In 2009, Ndamukong Suh earned unanimous All-American honors while playing college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

2009: College Football Career End

Ndamukong Suh played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team until 2009.

April 17, 2010: Donated to University of Nebraska

On April 17, 2010, at the annual Husker Spring Game, Ndamukong Suh announced a $2.6 million donation to the University of Nebraska, with a portion for athletics and an endowed scholarship for the College of Engineering.

2010: Led in Sacks

During the 2010 NFL season, Suh led the Lions, all rookies, and all defensive tackles in sacks with 10.

2010: Drafted into the NFL

In 2010, Ndamukong Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions as the second overall pick in the NFL draft.

2010: Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2010, during his time with the Lions, Suh was selected to four All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams and was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year.

2010: Drafted by Detroit Lions

In the 2010 NFL draft, Ndamukong Suh was selected by the Detroit Lions as the second overall pick.

January 25, 2011: Named to the All-Pro Team

On January 25, 2011, Ndamukong Suh was named to the All-Pro Team.

2013: Donated to Grant High School

In 2013, Ndamukong Suh donated $250,000 toward the effort to bring a turf field to Grant High School.

March 11, 2015: Signed with the Miami Dolphins

On March 11, 2015, Ndamukong Suh signed a six-year, $114 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, including $60 million guaranteed. This deal made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time.

2015: Highest-Paid Defensive Player

In 2015, Suh became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history after signing a six-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, worth over $114 million. He was later released after three seasons.