Early Life and Education of Ndamukong Suh: A Complete Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Ndamukong Suh. A timeline of key moments.

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

1982: Parents Met and Married

In 1982, Ndamukong Suh's parents, Bernadette (née Lennon) Suh and Michael Suh, met and married in Portland, Oregon, after Michael Suh was admitted to a Portland trade school.

January 6, 1987: Ndamukong Suh's Birth

On January 6, 1987, Ndamukong Ngwa Suh was born. He would later become a professional football player.

Others born on this day/year

2004: District Shot Put Champion

In 2004, Ndamukong Suh was the district shot put champion.

2004: All-PIL Honors

In 2004, as a junior at Grant High School, Suh earned first-team All-PIL honors on both offense and defense.

January 20, 2005: Commits to Nebraska Cornhuskers

On January 20, 2005, Ndamukong Suh committed to the Nebraska Cornhuskers after taking official visits to several universities.

2005: OSAA Shot Put Title

In 2005, Ndamukong Suh won the OSAA Class 4A shot put title with a school-record throw of 18.71 meters.

2005: All-America Honors

In 2005, as a senior, Ndamukong Suh earned Parade magazine high school All-America honors and was named the 2004 Portland Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year.

2005: Freshman Season and Knee Surgery

In 2005, during his true freshman year at the University of Nebraska, Ndamukong Suh played in the first two games before undergoing knee surgery and receiving a medical redshirt.

2006: Freshman All-Big 12 Honors

In 2006, Suh played in all 14 games as a backup defensive lineman and earned freshman All-Big 12 honors from The Sporting News.

2008: First-team All-Big 12 Honors

In 2008, as a junior, Ndamukong Suh recorded a team-high 76 tackles and earned First-team All-Big 12 honors.

October 2009: Midseason All-American Team Selection

In October 2009, Ndamukong Suh was named to The Sporting News and CBS Sports midseason All-American team.

December 7, 2009: Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner

On December 7, 2009, Ndamukong Suh was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and was named the 2009 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner as the top defensive player in the nation.

2009: Earning All-American Honors

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

2009: Big 12 Championship Game MVP

In 2009, Ndamukong Suh registered 85 tackles and received game MVP honors for his performance in the Big 12 Championship Game against the Texas Longhorns, despite a 13–12 loss. He also earned unanimous first-team All-Big 12 honors and the Big-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Suh was named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year, and received the Bill Willis Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award, and Outland Trophy. He was also recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American.

2009: Graduation from UNL College of Engineering

Ndamukong Suh graduated from the UNL College of Engineering in 2009 with a degree in construction management.

2009: College Football Career End

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

2012: Participated in Fox's dating game show 'The Choice'

In 2012, Ndamukong Suh participated in Fox's dating game show "The Choice".

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March 10, 2013: Nominated on Splash

Ndamukong Suh was nominated on Splash on March 10, 2013, and was eliminated on the 2nd week of the show.

2013: Rode Zamboni at Red Wings Playoff Game

During the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ndamukong Suh rode the Zamboni at Joe Louis Arena wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey during the Red Wings' playoff series against the Chicago Blackhawks.