Ndamukong Suh was born on January 6, 1987, in Portland, Oregon. Suh grew up in Portland, and in high school he was a three-sport star in football, basketball and track. His senior year, he had 65 tackles, including 10 sacks and recovered four fumbles, which earned him All-America honors.
Suh was a four-star recruit, according to Rivals.com. Suh decided on playing football outside of the state of Oregon at the University of Nebraska.
Suh's senior season at Nebraska was one of the best by a defensive player ever, and many believe Heisman-worthy. Suh finished with 85 tackles, 12 quarterback sacks, 28 quarterback hurries, 24 tackles for loss, 10 pass breakups, three blocked kicks, and one interception. In the Big 12 Championship Game agains the Texas Longhorns, Suh had a school single-game record 7 tackles for a loss and 4½ sacks in a 13–12 loss. Despite his team losing, Suh was the game's MVP. That season he won numerous awards including the AP College Football Player of the Year Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, and was recognized as a unanimous All-American. He was also a finalist for the Heisman.
Suh was drafted as the second-overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. He was an instant success in his rookie season, recording 10 sacks. He's been a force in the league ever sense, recording 36 sacks. He's also been criticized for his aggressive style of play that many have deemed as dirty. In fact, during his career he has been fined a total of $420,669 by the NFL for 7 player-safety violations, and suspended 2 games, resulting in the loss of $165,294 in pay, according to Wikipedia. His most recent incident when he stepped on the injured calf of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers initially resulted in his suspension for the team's playoff game, but ultimately was uplifted and reduced to a $70,000 fine.
Regardless of the notorious play, he's a tremendous athlete and a great football player. Suh may have played his last game in Detroit as he is a free agent this offseason. For now, he can enjoy his birthday. Happy birthday, Ndamukong Suh.
