Bucs Super Bowl Champion Starter Announces Retirement in Emotional Post

Another member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ most recent Super Bowl champion roster officially announced his retirement from the NFL on July 12, as star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh posted a heartfelt message on social media.

Suh shared photos with both his father and his family, explaining the significance of July 12 in an emotional post, which can be found below.

Ex-Bucs DT Ndamukong Suh Reveals Father’s Impact, Future Plans After NFL Retirement

Suh’s full retirement announcement read as follows:

July 12, 2024 was the hardest day of my life.

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.

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.’

That conversation stayed with me.
So today, one year later, I’m honoring that wish.

I’m officially retiring from the NFL.

I have so many memories to cherish.
13 seasons.
5x All-Pro.
A Super Bowl ring.
Countless battles in the trenches.

I left it all on the field, and now I’m stepping away with peace and gratitude.

Because I’ve been preparing for this moment for years. Football was my passion, but it was never my endgame.

My next season is about impact, purpose, and legacy.
About helping others build wealth, lead with intention, and create lasting freedom.

I’ve lived. I’ve learned. I’ve built. I’ve failed. I’ve succeeded. And now I want to share what I’ve learned; especially with athletes, entrepreneurs, and young people navigating life and money.

That’s why I created the No Free Lunch podcast. It’s about real conversations, real strategy, and real education.
Because freedom doesn’t come from fame, it comes from knowledge and how you move.

Now I’m using my platform to serve something bigger. If you’ve ever followed my journey… Thank you. If you’ve ever cheered, supported, critiqued, or pushed me, you’re part of the reason I kept going.

And if you’re wondering what’s next: Tune in. Follow along. I’m just getting started.

@ndamukong_suh

No Free Lunch Show🎙️
Rest in power, Dad,
Your mission lives on through me.

Ndamukong Suh Started 55 Games for the Buccaneers Over a 3-Year Span

Suh was only with the Buccaneers from 2019 through 2021, but he certainly made a lasting impact.

Not only did Suh help Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl, along with Tom Brady, over the Kansas City Chiefs. But he was also incredibly durable, starting 55 games (including playoffs).

Although Suh’s All-Pro seasons came earlier in his career, he still registered 14.5 regular season sacks with the Bucs, as well as 2.0 postseason sacks. In total, he logged 24 tackles for a loss as a member of the Tampa Bay organization.

Suh is probably best known for his time with the Detroit Lions, but his Buccaneers tenure would likely rank second because of the Super Bowl run, with his Miami Dolphins stint as a close third. The 13-year NFL pro also played one season with the Los Angeles Rams and spent his final campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles.

In terms of talent, accomplishment and impact, Suh’s career might be worthy of an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday. However, his reputation as a “dirty player” may end up factoring into that debate.