Ndamukong Suh is calling it quits after thirteen years in the NFL.

Suh, 38, announced his retirement on Saturday through a heartfelt message on social media, one year after the death of his father.

On July 12, 2024, I faced the toughest day of my life. A day marked by bidding farewell to my father, the person who nurtured, mentored, motivated, and had faith in me even before I had faith in myself. He was more than just a father to me. He stood as my role model, my guide, and my source of strength. From him, I imbibed the values of discipline, focus, and unwavering determination.

Every instance of me on the football field bore the essence of his influence. Each time I stood ready across an opponent, his words resonated in my ears, propelling me forward and reminding me that I carried not just my own reputation but his, my family’s, and our family name.

Suh, who had not actively participated in NFL games post-2022 without officially retiring, disclosed that it was his father who ultimately motivated him to transition away from football.

“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,” Suh continued. “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.”

Suh was drafted by the Lions with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, and spent his first five seasons in Detroit where he was named 2010 Defensive Rookie of the Year, along with making back-to-back All-Pro teams in 2013-14.

The Nebraska alum was also a Super Bowl champion as a member of the Buccaneers in 2020.

Suh amassed 600 tackles, 130 tackles for loss, and 71.5 sacks over his 13-year NFL career.