LATEST UPDATE: Nebraska Cornhuskers Unveil Bronze Statue Honoring Legend Ndamukong Suh for His Iconic Contributions to College Football
In a heartfelt and historic moment for Nebraska football, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has unveiled a bronze statue honoring legendary defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. The ceremony, held outside Memorial Stadium on May 25, 2025, marked a major milestone in the university’s ongoing celebration of its football heritage and recognized Suh’s lasting impact on college football and the Nebraska Cornhuskers program.
A Fitting Tribute to a Nebraska Icon
The statue, standing over eight feet tall and capturing Suh in one of his signature powerful stances, now joins a select group of Cornhusker legends immortalized in bronze. Positioned prominently near the stadium’s main entrance, the monument is not just a tribute to Suh’s dominance on the field but a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and Husker pride.
Suh, known for his explosive power, unmatched agility, and leadership, played for the Cornhuskers from 2005 to 2009. His senior season in 2009 is still regarded as one of the most dominant performances by a defensive player in college football history. Suh recorded 85 tackles, 12 sacks, and 24 tackles for loss that year, leading Nebraska to national prominence and narrowly missing out on a Heisman Trophy—finishing fourth in the voting, a rare feat for a defensive lineman.
A Ceremony Full of Gratitude and Emotion
Hundreds of fans, alumni, current players, and university officials gathered at the unveiling ceremony. The event featured speeches from Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, former coach Bo Pelini, and Athletic Director Trev Alberts. All spoke to Suh’s transformative presence on and off the field.
Suh, visibly moved, addressed the crowd with humility. “This isn’t just about me,” he said. “It’s about Nebraska—the coaches who believed in me, the teammates who fought beside me, and the fans who supported me every single game. I’m honored to be part of this tradition, and I hope this statue inspires the next generation of Huskers to dream big, work hard, and never back down.”
He also expressed gratitude to his family, many of whom were present, noting how their support shaped his career. Suh’s mother, Bernadette Suh, was tearful as she reflected on her son’s journey from Portland, Oregon, to the heart of Husker Nation.
A Legacy Beyond the Gridiron
While Suh’s on-field accolades are well-documented—including being a two-time First-Team All-American, winning the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Nagurski Trophy—his legacy extends well beyond his college days. After being selected second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Suh went on to have a storied NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
Off the field, Suh has been an influential philanthropist and business leader. In 2010, he donated $2.6 million to the University of Nebraska—$2 million to the athletics department and $600,000 to the College of Engineering. This contribution, one of the largest ever made by a former Nebraska student-athlete, underscores Suh’s ongoing commitment to his alma mater.
Fans Reflect on Suh’s Impact
To fans, Suh’s statue is more than a tribute to statistics—it represents a time of resurgence and pride for Nebraska football. Many attendees shared stories of Suh’s dominating performances, particularly the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game against Texas, where he recorded 4.5 sacks and nearly single-handedly disrupted the Longhorns’ offense.
“I’ll never forget that game,” said longtime fan Kevin Riddell. “Suh was a monster on the field. That performance was legendary—it put him, and Nebraska, back in the national spotlight.”
Students and younger fans, some of whom never saw Suh play live, expressed how his story continues to motivate them. “Even though I didn’t grow up watching him, I know who he is and what he stands for,” said junior linebacker Marcus Allen. “He’s the standard we all want to live up to.”
A Symbol for the Future
The unveiling of Suh’s statue is not only a commemoration of the past but also a reminder of what the Nebraska football program aims to build for the future. Coach Rhule emphasized this in his speech, saying, “When our players walk past this statue every day, they’ll be reminded of what greatness looks like. Ndamukong showed that it’s possible right here in Lincoln.”
As the sun set behind Memorial Stadium, casting a golden hue over the newly revealed statue, fans lingered to take photos and reflect. In honoring Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska didn’t just celebrate a player—they honored a legacy that continues to shape the program, inspire its players, and unite its fans.
The legend of Suh is now quite literally cast in bronze, a permanent part of Husker history.
