— The legacy of Ndamukong Suh, one of college football’s most dominant forces, has officially been etched into Cornhuskers history as he was crowned Nebraska’s “Greatest MVP of All Time” in a ceremony that drew thousands of fans and former players back to Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
The announcement comes after months of fan voting, expert panels, and a special review by the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame. Suh, who terrorized offensive lines and quarterbacks during his Nebraska career from 2005–2009, was recognized not only for his on-field dominance but also for the global recognition he brought to the program.
“This honor isn’t just about the plays I made,” Suh said in his acceptance speech. “It’s about the teammates who pushed me, the coaches who believed in me, and the fans who made Memorial Stadium the loudest place on earth. Nebraska gave me everything, and I’ll carry that forever.”
Suh’s senior season in 2009 remains the stuff of legend. His destruction of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy in the Big 12 Championship game — recording 4.5 sacks and 12 total tackles — is still replayed as one of the most dominant defensive performances in college football history. He finished that season as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, a rare feat for a defensive lineman, and swept nearly every major national award, including the Lombardi, Outland, Bednarik, and Nagurski trophies.
Fans say Suh’s impact goes far beyond statistics. “He wasn’t just the best Husker of his era — he was a force of nature,” said longtime supporter Karen Holloway. “You could feel the stadium shake every time he made a hit. That kind of dominance doesn’t fade. It echoes.”
Even today, Suh’s name resonates on the global stage. His NFL career brought him Super Bowl glory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cementing his place among football’s most respected defenders. From Nebraska to the professional ranks, his reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors has transcended borders, inspiring young athletes worldwide.
As the ceremony concluded, fans erupted into chants of “Suuuuuh!” — the same roar that once rolled across Lincoln on Saturday afternoons. For Nebraska, the crowning of Suh as the greatest MVP isn’t just about honoring the past. It’s a reminder of the standard of excellence the Cornhuskers aspire to reclaim.
