Ndamukong Suh, former defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and now free to speak his mind regarding his departure, recently offered up his account of why he decided to part ways with them on a podcast interview. Speaking openly on how contract negotiations influenced this decision and gave details as to his reasons behind leaving this franchise behind.
“I left Detroit because it was best for myself and my family; however, I gave Detroit the option to match and they did not,” Suh said in his defense of their move away. He continued by asking his audience who they believe is at fault: nobody knows this information! So it begs to question who made such an unfavorable choice?
According to league insiders, the Lions had offered Suh $17 million per year with $58 million guaranteed over six years. However, the Miami Dolphins presented a more lucrative offer—$60 million guaranteed and $114 million overall—that the Lions could not match, partly due to Florida’s favorable tax situation.
Suh emphasized that leaving Detroit was not an easy choice. He spoke about being drafted to be one of the team’s cornerstones and felt he earned that place through his performance on the field. Early in his career, Suh accepted a smaller contract because the team had a policy that no player could earn more than their quarterback, a recent first-round pick. He respected this rule and chose to prove himself through his play.
Although his departure remains a topic of debate among fans, Suh has since moved past his playing days and is now focusing on helping others through mentorship and his podcast.
Suh was drafted second overall by the Lions in 2010 and played with the team until 2014. During his tenure, he became a defensive cornerstone and one of the most notable defenders in the NFL.
Over the course of his career, Suh accumulated strong statistics including solo tackles, assists, sacks, fumble recoveries, interceptions, and multiple Pro Bowl selections. After his time in Detroit, he went on to play for several other teams and appeared in three Super Bowls, winning a championship with Tampa Bay.
His exit from Detroit still prompts discussions about contract negotiations and loyalty, but Suh is now fully focused on his life after football.
Reflections on Retirement
In 2025, Ndamukong Suh officially retired from the NFL after a long and accomplished career. He explained that the decision to retire came after much reflection on what lies beyond football.
Suh credited his late father as a major influence in this decision. A conversation with his father about the right time to move on from the sport stayed with him and helped shape his perspective.
He shared that preparing for life after football was something he had been doing for several years. For Suh, football provided success and recognition, but it was never intended to be the final destination of his journey.
Now, Suh is working to help others by sharing lessons from his career with athletes, young professionals and entrepreneurs as they develop their futures.
One such avenue for this goal is Suh’s podcast, in which he features honest discussions on life, money, discipline and long-term planning – topics he considers essential for young athletes navigating their own paths forward.