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Terrell Raynonn Suggs (born October 11, 1982 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is an American football linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Ravens tenth overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.
[edit] Early years
As a teenager, Suggs attended several schools. Initially, he attended Chandler High School but later transferred to Hamilton High School, both in Chandler, Arizona. He graduated in 2000, from Hamilton. Suggs holds the Arizona 5A record for rushing yards in a game, with 367 in a game vs. Yuma Kofa in 1999.
[edit] College career
Suggs attended Arizona State University, where he played defensive end for both Bruce Snyder and Dirk Koetter. He finished his career there with 163 tackles, including a school career record 65.5 tackles for losses, and NCAA career record 44 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, and 9 passes deflected. As a junior, he had 24 sacks, which is the official NCAA single-season record.
[edit] Professional career
[edit] Baltimore Ravens
Suggs was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round (10th overall) in the 2003 NFL Draft becoming one of the youngest defensive players at the age of 20 years old until defensive tackle Amobi Okoye was signed by the Texans at age 19 in 2007. Suggs' enjoyed immediate success in his rookie year, as he recorded 12 sacks and 1 interception and earning Defensive Rookie of The Year honors while playing the left outside linebacker position in Baltimore's 3-4 defensive scheme. His best season came in 2004 when he was elected to his first Pro Bowl in which he had 10.5 sacks and recorded 60 tackles. In 2005, Suggs' defensive coordinator of his only two years in the NFL, Mike Nolan was signed to be the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. The Baltimore Ravens hired their new defensive co-ordinator Rex Ryan, son of legendary defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, who moved Suggs' position from outside linebacker to defensive end. Although Suggs was primarily a defensive end in 2005, he still recorded a personal record of 2 interceptions in 2005. His 8 sacks were a career low but they mostly came at the end of the season when Suggs was getting accustomed to his new position.
In the 2006 season, Suggs helped the Raven's defense only allow 12.7 points per game, being the NFL's best overall defense. He played alongside many defensive stars like Ray Lewis, Trevor Pryce, Bart Scott, Adalius Thomas, Chris McAlister, and Ed Reed. He earned a second Pro Bowl appearance for his efforts.
The following season, 2007, he made 78 tackles and five sacks.[1]
On February 19, 2008 the Ravens placed the franchise tag on him, keeping him on the Ravens for at least the 2008 season. Suggs initially filed a grievance, since the team had designated him as a LB with the franchise tag rather than a DE, which resulted in a monetary difference of about $800,000. Despite being unhappy with the franchise tag, Suggs reported to offseason minicamps to practice with the team. On May 13, 2008, Suggs reportedly reached an agreement with the Ravens to split the difference in the franchise tag amounts of a LB and a DE and drop his grievance.
In Week 7 of the 2008 NFL season, Terrell Suggs intercepted a pass from Chad Pennington of the Miami Dolphins returned it for a touchdown; this was the first of his professional career, after being stopped short at the 1-yard line in his previous returns. In Week 9, Suggs intercepted Derek Anderson of the Cleveland Browns for a game sealing touchdown. Suggs was named to his third Pro Bowl in 2008 as he had produced 69 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 8 sacks. On February 18, 2009, Suggs was once again given the Ravens' franchise tag.[2]
On July 15, 2009 the Ravens signed Suggs to a 6-year, $63 million contract, a deal which includes a $10.1 million signing bonus and a $23 million option bonus due next March. $40 million will be paid in the next two years. His bonus money ($33.1 million) made him the highest paid linebacker in NFL history. [3]
On a Monday Night Football Game, Terrell Suggs was hit in the knees by Brady Quinn. He was diagnosed with a sprained MCL. Suggs classified the hit as a cheap shot.
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