Sgt John
Sith Lord of T&A
Detroit Lions rookie DT Ndamukong Suh took five minutes for you -- the fan. Here are Ndamukong's responses to your questions:
Jfinesse93: What is the biggest difference between playing in the trenches in college and in the NFL?
"I would say the skill. The skill level of the offensive linemen increases. They understand how to play. I have gone up against a lot of 4-5 year veterans and Pro Bowl guys. You get to go against those great guys and understand how they play. It's been a pleasure at an early age to learn how to play against them."
Jloydj: In your honest opinion, what do you think needs to take place to turn the Detroit Lions into a winning franchise?
"I think we have a lot of the pieces there, we just need to add a couple of more and some role players and so forth. We need to be able to transition into a team that finishes. That's something that we haven't been able to do this season. We have had the lead and been in close games but just haven't made that play that propelled us to wins. That's something that we need to learn how to do."
Jmartzjr: What are your thoughts on the NFL's attempt at enforcement of helmet-to-helmet contact?
"That's something that's part of the game and something that we have to adjust to as players. It's been an easy adjustment for me just because coming into the game you know that the quarterbacks are the prized possessions of the league. They obviously don't want to get them hurt and we obviously don't want to hurt those guys."
mchugh.2105: I witnessed many games in Lincoln where you busted out some amazing moves to get to the QB. What is your favorite dance move you like to do for the new Michael Jackson video game?
"I haven't decided what my favorite dance move is just yet. I love Michael Jackson for all his moves that he does. I mean, everyone loves the Moonwalk. He was a great person and had great moves so I would say as a combination that I love all of his moves. Every last one of his is an elite one and somebody can't just replicate them. Fans can tweet me a picture or video of their best Michael Jackson dance move to @Ndamukong_Suh to win my personal 'Michael Jackson The Experience' glove."
StErZ5627: So far, who is the toughest offensive lineman you have faced in the NFL?
"I don't know. Like I've said, I've gone against a lot of great guys so far and have had a good experience against a lot of them. And have also had some trouble here and there. As a unit, I would probably say the Patriots play pretty well together, as well as the Jets."
abcruz52: As a young player, how do you feel about the upcoming collective bargaining agreement and a possible 18-game schedule?
"It's interesting. It's obviously more games and something that would be interesting and would be fun. But it's already hard enough having gone through my whole first season and feeling the toll on my body so far. I'm not sure exactly what is going to take place with the collective bargaining agreement and right now am not really at liberty to speak about it until I sit down and research it and understand all the ins and outs of it."
teeplej1: Do you like Nebraska's move to the Big Ten and which Big 12 matchup will you miss seeing the most?
"I actually do like the move. One reason is a little selfishly because I can see them play and hopefully catch 1-2 of their games. Both Michigan and Michigan State are close by to my house. But it's a great move educationally and it's a great conference with very competitive football. Look at this year with teams like Ohio State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan State. It's making for an elite conference. But the rivalry I will miss the most is Oklahoma. I think it's the most historic rivalry that there's been in college football for I don't know how long."
mrtinram: What was your adrenaline level upon being called to attempt that PAT (against the Jets)?
"My adrenaline level was pretty even keel as it always is. I was obviously ready to go out there and make a play. It caught me a little off guard because I thought Jason (Hanson) was healthy enough to make the kick. I didn't get a chance to make a warmup kick but you've got to be ready at all times. Especially knowing that I am the backup kicker, I have to be ready if something were to happen to Jason."
dmclaugh: Is it hard to stay grounded and remain the "average joe" with your money and fame this year in the NFL?
"No, not at all. It's something that I think I am truly blessed with having my parents ingrain in me at an early age. My sister is here with me and helping me through the day-to-day. I really don't see myself as a celebrity. I still have a lot of things to accomplish and it's definitely been good to be recognized for doing good things. But there is a lot more to come. And the biggest thing is winning football games with this Detroit Lions team."
always_big_red: What was your favorite moment as a Husker player?
"Watching Alex (Henery) kick a 57-yard field goal to push us ahead (in 2008 victory over Colorado). That game was a ball. But I would say my overall experience other than that at Nebraska was just fun and something that I would never forget. That's why I hold that university close to my heart."
damiangarcia: I know you played soccer for many years before moving on to American football. Did you have any soccer idols growing up?
"I did. The one that I definitely watched the most was Pele. I also watched Cobi Jones a lot playing for the U.S. I just like watching soccer in general. It's a sport I grew up with since I was three and loved to play and watch. It's something that has always kept me intrigued and was fun."
joshuaqthompson: You seem like a guy that would have more than a few awesome nicknames. Would you share a few?
"My favorite one is probably 'Suh-nami'. One that I have within the defensive line group is that they call me 'Ray'. Corey Williams just created it. I'm 'Ray', one of our defensive ends Lawrence Jackson is 'Meatball'. Kyle Vanden Bosh is 'Wildman'. Those are just some funny names that we have for each other. It's all fun and games."
I like this guy.
