History of Ndamukong Suh in Timeline
Ndamukong Suh is a highly accomplished former American football defensive tackle. He played college football at the University of Nebraska, where he achieved All-American status. In the 2010 NFL Draft, he was selected second overall by the Detroit Lions. His professional career also included stints with the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. Notably, he participated in three Super Bowls: Super Bowl LIII with the Rams, Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers, and Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles.
1973: First Nebraska Defensive Lineman to Lead in Tackles since 1973
In 2008, Suh became the first Nebraska defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles since 1973.
1982: Parents' Marriage
Ndamukong Suh's parents, Michael and Bernadette, met and married in Portland, Oregon in 1982.
January 6, 1987: Birth of Ndamukong Suh
Ndamukong Suh was born on January 6, 1987.
1988: Comparison to Neil Smith's selection
Ndamukong Suh's 2010 draft selection was notable as he was the highest selected Cornhusker defender since Neil Smith in 1988.
1995: First defensive lineman selected by Lions since 1995
In 1995, the Detroit Lions last selected a defensive lineman, Luther Elliss, before choosing Ndamukong Suh in the 2010 draft.
1999: First Nebraska Interior Defensive Lineman with First-Team All Big 12 honors since 1999
In 2008, Ndamukong Suh became the first Nebraska interior defensive lineman since Steve Warren in 1999 to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors.
2000: Highest Vertical Leap for a DT since 2000
At the NFL Combine, Suh achieved the highest vertical leap for a defensive tackle since Al Lucas in 2000.
2000: First Cornhusker Lombardi Award Finalist since 2000
Suh became the first Cornhusker since Dominic Raiola in 2000 to be named a finalist for the Lombardi Award.
2004: High School Achievements and Recognition
During his junior and senior years at Grant High School, Suh excelled as a two-way lineman, receiving first-team All-PIL honors, honorable mention All-state, and being named the Portland Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
2004: District Shot Put Champion
Ndamukong Suh won the district shot put championship in 2004.
January 20, 2005: Commitment to Nebraska Cornhuskers
On January 20, 2005, after considering offers from several universities, Ndamukong Suh chose to play college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
2005: High School All-American Honors and U.S. Army All-American Bowl
Ndamukong Suh was selected to play in the prestigious 2005 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, a showcase of top high school football talent, and earned Parade magazine high school All-America honors.
2005: State Shot Put Champion and Athlete of the Year Finalist
Suh won the OSAA Class 4A shot put title with a school-record throw and was a finalist for Portland Tribune's Athlete of the Year in 2005.
2005: College Freshman Season and Medical Redshirt
Suh's freshman season at Nebraska in 2005 was cut short by a knee injury that required surgery, resulting in a medical redshirt.
2006: Comparison to Albert Haynesworth incident
In 2006, Albert Haynesworth received a five-game suspension for stomping on a player's head, a case used for comparison to Ndamukong Suh's 2011 incident, which raised questions about potential suspension for Suh.
2006: Freshman All-Big 12 Honors
Suh played in all 14 games as a backup and earned Freshman All-Big 12 honors in 2006.
2008: First-Team All-Big 12 and Honorable Mention All-American
Ndamukong Suh's performance in 2008, which included 76 tackles and two interceptions returned for touchdowns, earned him First-team All-Big 12 honors and an honorable mention All-American selection.
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.
November 24, 2009: Outland Trophy Finalist
On November 24, 2009, Suh was named as one of three finalists for the Outland Trophy.
December 3, 2009: Walter Camp Award Finalist
On December 3, 2009, Suh was named as a finalist for the Walter Camp Award.
December 7, 2009: Heisman Trophy Finalist and Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner
Suh was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defensive player on December 7, 2009.
December 9, 2009: Bill Willis Trophy and Lombardi Award Winner
On December 9, 2009, Suh added the Bill Willis Trophy and Lombardi Award to his collection of accolades.
2009: Unanimous All-American and National Awards
In 2009, Suh's outstanding performance earned him unanimous All-American recognition and several prestigious awards, including the AP Player of the Year, becoming the first defensive player to win the award.
2009: Suh signs with Maximum Sports Management
In 2009, before the NFL draft, Ndamukong Suh signed with Maximum Sports Management and agent Roosevelt Barnes. This move caused moderate concern among teams interested in drafting him, as Barnes was also the agent for Michael Crabtree, who had a lengthy contract holdout in the 2009 NFL draft.
2009: Graduated from UNL
Ndamukong Suh graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in 2009 with a degree in construction management.
2009: College Senior Season at Nebraska
Ndamukong Suh played his senior season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2009.
April 17, 2010: Donation to University of Nebraska
On April 17, 2010, Ndamukong Suh announced a $2.6 million donation to the University of Nebraska.
October 31, 2010: Suh scores first NFL touchdown
On October 31, 2010, Ndamukong Suh scored his first NFL touchdown against the Washington Redskins by recovering a fumble from Rex Grossman, marking a notable moment in his career.
November 7, 2010: Suh attempts extra point
On November 7, 2010, Ndamukong Suh attempted an extra point for the Detroit Lions against the New York Jets following an injury to their kicker. The attempt was unsuccessful as the ball hit the right upright.
2010: Suh's rookie season achievements
In 2010, Ndamukong Suh led the Detroit Lions in sacks, was named a Pro Bowl starter, and received multiple Rookie of the Year awards, highlighting his outstanding debut NFL season.
2010: All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selections
In 2010, Ndamukong Suh started his career with the Lions strongly, earning selections to the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams.
2010: Suh drafted by the Detroit Lions
In 2010, Ndamukong Suh was selected in the first round as the second overall pick by the Detroit Lions in the NFL draft, marking a significant career milestone as the first defensive lineman chosen by the team since 1995.
2010: NFL Draft and Rookie Year
Ndamukong Suh was selected second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL draft and earned Defensive Rookie of the Year.
January 25, 2011: Suh named to All-Pro Team
On January 25, 2011, Ndamukong Suh was named to the All-Pro Team, earning numerous rookie awards for his exceptional performance in the 2010 NFL season, despite missing the Pro Bowl due to shoulder surgery.
November 24, 2011: Suh's controversial game ejection
On November 24, 2011, during a game against the Green Bay Packers, Ndamukong Suh was ejected for unnecessary roughness after pushing Evan Dietrich-Smith's head into the ground and stomping on his arm, leading to a penalty and a touchdown for the Packers.
2011: Suh named Pro Bowl alternate
In 2011, Ndamukong Suh was named a Pro Bowl alternate after completing the season with notable stats including four sacks, finishing ranked 38th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.
October 2012: Named NFL's "Least-Liked Player"
In October 2012, a Nielsen report publicized by Forbes named Ndamukong Suh the NFL's "Least-Liked Player".
November 22, 2012: Suh fined for kicking incident
On November 22, 2012, Ndamukong Suh was fined $30,000 for kicking Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin during a Thanksgiving game, sparking debate over the league's handling of his on-field conduct.
2012: Suh's 2012 season highlights
In 2012, Ndamukong Suh finished the season with eight sacks and 25 tackles, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors, and ranking 40th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
2012: Participated in The Choice
In 2012, Ndamukong Suh participated in Fox's dating game show, The Choice.
March 10, 2013: Nominated for Splash
On March 10, 2013, Ndamukong Suh was nominated for the reality TV show, Splash.
November 28, 2013: Suh forces career-first safety
On November 28, 2013, Ndamukong Suh forced the first safety of his career by sacking Matt Flynn in the end zone during a game against the Green Bay Packers.
November 29, 2013: Suh fined for throat slash gesture
On November 29, 2013, Ndamukong Suh was fined $7,875 for making a throat slash gesture during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, indicating ongoing scrutiny of his on-field behavior.
2013: Rode Zamboni at Joe Louis Arena
During the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Ndamukong Suh rode the Zamboni at Joe Louis Arena while wearing a Detroit Red Wings jersey.
2013: Donation to Grant High School
In 2013, Ndamukong Suh donated $250,000 to Grant High School for a turf field.
2013: Suh's performance in 2012 season
In 2013, reflecting on the 2012 season, Ndamukong Suh was recognized for his performance with a Pro Bowl selection and first team All-Pro honors, ranking 40th in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
2014: Suh's 2014 season highlights
In 2014, Ndamukong Suh played all 16 games, totaling 53 tackles and earning Pro Bowl and first team All-Pro honors. He was involved in a controversial incident with Aaron Rodgers, resulting in a fine instead of a suspension.
2014: Suh's 2013 season accolades
In 2014, Ndamukong Suh was honored for his 2013 performance with a Pro Bowl selection and first team All-Pro honors, ranking 40th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
March 11, 2015: Suh signs record-breaking contract with Dolphins
On March 11, 2015, Ndamukong Suh signed a six-year, $114 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at that time.
September 13, 2015: Suh's controversial helmet incident
On September 13, 2015, during a game against the Washington Redskins, Ndamukong Suh was involved in a controversial incident where he appeared to knock off Alfred Morris's helmet. The NFL decided not to discipline him as it was not deemed a kick.
2015: Record-Breaking Contract with Miami Dolphins
In 2015, Ndamukong Suh signed a landmark six-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, making him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history at the time.
2015: Forbes Estimated Annual Income
In 2015, Forbes estimated Ndamukong Suh's annual income to be $38.5 million.
2015: Suh's 2014 ranking and playoff performance
In 2015, Ndamukong Suh was ranked 24th on the NFL Top 100 Players for his 2014 performance, including a notable playoff game where he sacked Tony Romo twice despite a narrow loss to the Cowboys.
2016: Suh's 2016 performance and Pro Bowl selection
In 2016, Ndamukong Suh started all 16 games with notable stats including 72 tackles and five sacks, earning him a fifth Pro Bowl selection. He was ranked 55th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
2016: Suh's 2015 season review
In 2016, reflecting on the 2015 season, Ndamukong Suh was recognized for his performance with a ranking of 40th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.
2017: Suh's 2016 ranking
In 2017, based on his 2016 season performance, Ndamukong Suh was recognized by his peers and ranked 55th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.
March 14, 2018: Released by the Miami Dolphins
On March 14, 2018, Ndamukong Suh's tenure with the Miami Dolphins ended as the team released him to free up salary cap space, after three seasons.
March 26, 2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams
On March 26, 2018, Ndamukong Suh signed a lucrative one-year, $14 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
2018: Suh's 2017 season performance and ranking
In 2018, reflecting on the 2017 season, Ndamukong Suh was ranked 61st on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2018, with a season performance including 48 tackles and 4.5 sacks, amidst incidents of unnecessary roughness.
May 23, 2019: Signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On May 23, 2019, Ndamukong Suh signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2019: Improved Penalty Record
During the 2019 NFL season, Ndamukong Suh was flagged for only five penalties, a significant improvement from earlier in his career.
March 26, 2020: Re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On March 26, 2020, Ndamukong Suh re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year contract.
2020: 2020 Season Performance
During the 2020 NFL season, Ndamukong Suh recorded 43 tackles, six sacks, two passes defended, and one forced fumble.
February 2021: Won Super Bowl LV
In February 2021, Ndamukong Suh achieved a career milestone by winning his first Super Bowl title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 in Super Bowl LV.
April 5, 2021: Re-signed with the Buccaneers
On April 5, 2021, after testing free agency, Ndamukong Suh re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year, $9 million contract.
November 17, 2022: Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles
On November 17, 2022, Ndamukong Suh signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
2023: Career interception record as of 2023
As of 2023, Ndamukong Suh's career includes only one interception, which he recorded on October 10, 2010, against the St. Louis Rams.
2023: NFL Pundit for Sky Sports
In the 2023 NFL season, Ndamukong Suh worked as a pundit for NFL coverage on Sky Sports in the UK.