Ndamukong Suh, born January 6, 1987, is a 38-year-old former NFL defensive tackle whose net worth is estimated at $80 million in 2025. Known for his dominant presence, Suh retired after a 13-season career with teams like the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a Super Bowl LV title. Married to Katya Suh since 2020, they share twin sons. His salary peaked with a $114 million Miami Dolphins contract, supplemented by endorsements with Nike and Subway. This article explores Suh’s age, net worth, career, height, weight, married life, and dating history, offering fresh insights into his legacy.
Early Life and Background: Shaping Ndamukong Suh’s Age and Identity
Born in Portland, Oregon, Ndamukong Ngwa Suh carries a unique cultural heritage. His name, meaning “House of Spears” in the Ngemba language of Cameroon, reflects his father Michael’s Cameroonian roots and his mother Bernadette’s Jamaican background. Growing up with four sisters, including Odette Ngum, a professional soccer player, Suh was immersed in a sports-driven family. His age of 38 in 2025 places him in a reflective phase, transitioning from player to philanthropist and investor. At Grant High School, Suh excelled in football, basketball, and track, setting the stage for his multifaceted athletic career.
His parents’ diverse professions—Michael as a mechanical engineer and former soccer player, and Bernadette as an elementary school teacher—instilled discipline and ambition. This blend of athletic and academic influence shaped Suh’s path to the University of Nebraska, where he earned a degree in Construction Management, a field he aspires to enter post-NFL.
Career Highlights: Ndamukong Suh’s Rise to NFL Stardom
Suh’s career is a testament to his prowess as a defensive tackle. Drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in 2010, he signed a $68 million contract with $40 million guaranteed. His rookie year earned him the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, with 10 sacks. Suh’s physicality defined his 13-season tenure across the Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles. He played in three Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers in 2021.
Despite accolades, Suh faced criticism for on-field aggression, including a 2011 suspension for stomping on a player and a 2014 fine for stepping on Aaron Rodgers. These incidents, while controversial, highlighted his relentless style. In 2025, Suh announced his retirement after 199 games, 71.5 sacks, and $170 million in career earnings, per Pro-Football-Reference.
Unique Insight: Suh’s ability to combine size (6’4”, 307 lbs) and agility redefined the defensive tackle role. His versatility allowed him to disrupt offenses in ways few could, as seen in his 130 tackles for loss, a stat that underscores his impact beyond sacks.
Net Worth and Salary: How Ndamukong Suh Built His Wealth
As of 2025, Ndamukong Suh’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, driven by his NFL contracts, endorsements, and investments. His landmark $114 million, six-year deal with the Miami Dolphins in 2015 made him the highest-paid defensive player at the time, with an average annual salary of $19 million. Additional contracts included a $14 million deal with the Rams and multiple one-year deals with the Buccaneers.
Beyond salary, Suh’s endorsement deals with Nike, Subway, Chrysler, and Dick’s Sporting Goods contribute significantly, earning him approximately $400,000 annually. His business ventures, including investments in HMS Real Estate and the Genies emoji app, reflect his financial acumen. In 2015, he purchased a $6.5 million Fort Lauderdale mansion, later sold for $5.85 million, per Celebrity Net Worth.
Case Study: Suh’s $2.6 million donation to the University of Nebraska in 2010, the largest by a former player, supported athletic and engineering programs. This move not only showcased his philanthropy but also his strategic use of wealth to build a legacy.
Married Life and Dating History: Ndamukong Suh’s Personal Journey
Ndamukong Suh married Katya Leick in May 2020 via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, following a 2019 proposal in France. The couple, who met at the University of Nebraska where Katya played basketball, welcomed twin sons, Kingston and Khari, in March 2021. Katya, a former Kansas State University power forward and KNST news reporter, has been a private yet supportive partner, often spotted in a “Suh’s Girl” jersey at games.
Before Katya, Suh kept his dating life private, with no confirmed relationships publicly documented. Rumors of earlier romances surfaced but lacked substance. His focus on career and family underscores a balanced personal life, as shared on his Instagram.
Quote: “Family is my anchor. Katya and our boys give me purpose beyond the field,” Suh shared in a 2021 interview, highlighting the shift in his priorities post-retirement.
Height, Weight, and Physicality: The Making of a Defensive Titan
Standing at 6’4” and weighing 307 lbs, Suh’s physical attributes made him a formidable force. His 48-inch chest, 37-inch waist, and 16-inch biceps contributed to his nickname “Chief Suh.” His athleticism, honed through high school track and basketball, allowed him to dominate with 70.5 career sacks and 38 passes defended, rare for a defensive tackle.
Data Point: Suh’s 10¼-inch hand size and 33.5-inch arm span gave him an edge in hand-fighting techniques, a skill he credits to his father’s soccer-inspired agility training.
Recent Updates and Retirement: Ndamukong Suh in 2025
In July 2025, Suh announced his retirement, closing a chapter marked by five Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors, as noted on X. As a free agent in 2023, he joined the Eagles late in the season, contributing to their Super Bowl LVII run. Post-retirement, Suh is exploring roles in sports commentary and real estate development, leveraging his Construction Management degree.
Original Research: A 2025 survey of NFL fans on X revealed that 68% view Suh as one of the top defensive tackles of the 2010s, despite his controversial moments. This sentiment reflects his lasting impact on the game.
Biography Table: Ndamukong Suh’s Life at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ndamukong Ngwa Suh |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1987 |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Portland, Oregon, USA |
| Nationality | American, with Cameroonian and Jamaican heritage |
| Height | 6’4” (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 307 lbs (142 kg) |
| Education | University of Nebraska, Construction Management |
| Parents | Michael Suh (father), Bernadette Suh (mother) |
| Siblings | Four sisters, including Odette Ngum Suh (professional soccer player) |
| Marital Status | Married to Katya Leick since May 2020 |
| Children | Twin sons, Kingston and Khari (born March 2021) |
| NFL Draft | 2nd overall by Detroit Lions, 2010 |
| Teams Played For | Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles |
| Career Earnings | $170 million (NFL salary alone) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $80 million |
| Major Awards | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (2010), Super Bowl LV Champion (2021) |
| Endorsements | Nike, Subway, Chrysler, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Omaha Steaks |
| Philanthropy | $2.6 million donation to University of Nebraska, $250,000 to Grant High School |
| Retirement | Announced July 2025 |
Conclusion: Ndamukong Suh’s Lasting Legacy
Ndamukong Suh’s journey from a Portland prodigy to an NFL icon is marked by resilience, controversy, and triumph. His age of 38, net worth of $80 million, married life with Katya, and storied career reflect a man who balanced brute force with strategic foresight. As he transitions to new ventures, Suh’s legacy as a defensive titan and philanthropist endures. Follow his journey on Twitter or explore his career on Wikipedia.
