If you were to make a list of words that describe Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, you’d probably come up with a very long list before you got to the word “affectionate.” But that’s the word Suh used to describe his own style of dealing with teammates.
Asked by Ed Werder on ESPN about becoming more of a leader on the Lions, Suh said he does view himself as a leader, but a leader who’s kinder and gentler in the locker room than many people may think.
“I’m a player that goes by my actions and leads by my actions,” Suh said. “I have an affectionate way of being able to corral somebody, to go along and understand what I want and what I need from them and we can work together and get to where we want to be.”
Suh said that this year, he expects to lead Detroit to its first playoff win in 22 years.
“I would think it would be an absolute disappointment if we don’t make it to the playoffs and have an opportunity to win in those playoff games,” Suh said. “It’s a matter of just putting it together.”
Lions fans will have a lot of affection for Suh if he can follow through on that.