Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has officially retired from the NFL at the age of 38.
The five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro played for the Bucs from 2019-21 and was a big part of the Super Bowl LV champion squad that beat Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 at Raymond James Stadium.
It's been two and a half years since Suh suited up for an NFL team, with his last appearance coming in Super Bowl LVII in a losing effort for the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost 38-35 to the Chiefs.
Suh announced his retirement on social media.
“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,” Suh wrote. “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.’”
Suh was drafted No. 2 overall in 2010 by the Detroit Lions, and also suited up for the Dolphins and Rams before playing for the Bucs and Eagles.
He appeared in Super Bowls for three different teams, a rare feat in the NFL, joining only Rod Woodson (Steelers, Ravens, Raiders), Bill Romanowski (49ers, Broncos, Raiders), Preston Pearson (Colts, Steelers, Cowboys), Harry Swayne (Chargers, Broncos, Ravens) and Joe Jurevicius (Giants, Buccaneers, Seahawks).