He thought about it long and hard but, after a 13-year NFL career (and two seasons on the sidelines contemplating his future), Ndamukong Suh found a poignant moment to finally hang up his cleats.

Two seasons on from his last active appearance, the multiple Pro Bowler and All-Pro decided that the anniversary of his father’s passing was the right moment to call time on a career that peaked with a ring from Tampa Bay’s victory in Super Bowl LV and culminated with another visit to the biggest game of the year, when the Philadelphia Eagles lost to Kansas City in 2022.

In all, the Nebraska product, who was drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in 2010, leaves a legacy of 199 regular season appearances, 600 tackles, 71.5 sacks and 214 quarterback hits. Despite some notorious moments over the years, Suh came to be respected by opponents, being voted to four Pro Bowl appearances in his first five seasons and adding another after moving on to Miami. After three years with the Dolphins, he played a single season for the Los Angeles Rams before joining the Buccaneers and enjoying Super Bowl success alongside Tom Brady. Since playing in Super Bowl LVII at the end of a partial season with the Eagles, Suh has been weighing his options between a possible comeback or hanging up his helmet for the last time — only for an emotional realisation to convince him it should be the latter.

“This decision has been years in the making,” Suh wrote in the social media post announcing his retirement. “but today, July 12^th, carries a deeper meaning. One year ago, I said goodbye to my father. He was my first coach, my greatest teacher, and the man who shaped not just my mindset, but my mission. Before h passed, he asked me to step away from the game. He believed that I had accomplished what I set out to do, and that my next chapter would be even greater. Today, I’m honoring that wish.”

The NFL Team of the Decade representative for the 2010s insists that football, whilst his passion, was never supposed to be his ‘endgame’, and retirement will provide the time he needs to focus on a greater good.

“Football gave me purpose, it gave me opportunity, it game me a platform,” he continued. “Now, I’m stepping into a new season, one where I use that platform to educate, empower and elevate others on their path to financial success.

“The cleats are hung up, but the work is far from over. This isn’t the end. It’s a continuation — of legacy, of impact, of purpose. Thank you to everyone who’s been a part of this journey. Let’s keep building!”

Even before his final season ended on the wrong end of a 38-35 Lombardi defeat, Suh had set wheels in motion towards his future endeavours, telling Reuters that he was going to use his experience of NFL locker rooms to educate youngsters in matters monetary.

“Most athletes make the mistake of looking around the locker room and comparing themselves to other guys,” the former defensive tackle said. “You see veterans with their Mercedes, and end up living beyond your means. Personally, I made the mistake of going out to nightclubs and spending $25,000 to $50,000 versus taking that money and investing it.”

Once locked into the ‘right’ way of thinking, Suh embarked on numerous business ventures, including real estate development, restaurants and an investment portfolio under his House of Spears Management company. He has also undertaken charitable commitments, ranging from providing scholarships at his alma mater to helping victims of domestic violence in Tampa Bay.

Now, he intends to focus on all that and more, including a financial literacy curriculum for kids that covers everything from spending and saving to budgeting and investing.

“They need to understand how to take care of their finances,” Suh explained in the interview. “Especially in marginalised communities, this can be a tough conversation to have, so I want to bring some light to it.

“[They just need to] keep it simple. Spend only what you need, and save the rest, learn to create and grow generational wealth, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek mentorship. Like my mom always taught me: ‘There are no stupid questions’.”