Lions’ DT Ndamukong Suh Visits ESPN While Attending The World Cup

Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit Lions All-Pro defensive tackle, Ndamukong Suh traveled to Brazil to support the United States soccer team over the weekend. While in South America, Suh took the time to stop by the ESPN set to talk football and the Lions.

"“The USA team has been great to watch,” said Suh, who played soccer growing up in Oregon and is the son of a former pro. “In a true team sport like American football and, obviously, European and world football, as I know it, from my dad, it’s just all about how good your team is as a whole.”"

Suh was scheduled to attend Sunday’s USA vs. Portugal match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, and also Sunday afternoon’s game between Brazil vs. Cameroon, his father’s home country.

The United States rallied from a 1-0 deficit with a pair of goals in the second half, and they were just seconds away from clinching a spot in the knockout round. Unfortunately, a late Portugal goal evened things up, meaning the United States’ fate in the World Cup won’t be known until Thursday.

“I played everything but midfield; I didn’t like going back and forth. So I was a sweeper, and every now and then, I would protect the goal, but I liked being a forward, too. I liked being able to score.”- Suh, on his soccer-playing days

Suh touched on a few topics during the ESPN interview with Ann Arbor resident Mike Tirico, Birmingham native Alexi Lalas and others. Former Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy seemed especially frightened by Suh’s size.

Suh had this to say about the Lions upcoming season while on the ESPN set:

"“I’m excited. Coach (Jim) Caldwell just came in and took us by the hands, and I love everything that he’s done with the coaching staff. We’re going to surprise a lot of people. We’re looking forward to having you the first game of the year,” Suh said to Tiricio, who also calls Monday Night Football games for ESPN."

The Lions open their season on MNF against the New York Giants at Ford Field.

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One thing worthy to take a note of is the fact of Suh seeming very optimistic about the upcoming season. Suh is in a contract year and speculation has been swirling due to the fact of Suh and the Lions failing to reach an extension at this point.

While an extension could still likely get done before the start of camp, (similar to Matthew Stafford extension last July) Lions fans everywhere remain curios to see what will happen with the defensive captain’s contract.

At any rate, Suh seems to be having a pretty good time in Brazil.