Breaking news:Tackle Ndamukong of the Nebraska football has invested $12.6 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youth in Nebraska after……..
Breaking news:Tackle Ndamukong of the Nebraska football has invested $12.6 million to transform a house into a shelter for homeless youth in Nebraska
after……..
In a bold and compassionate move, Ndamukong Suh**, the legendary defensive tackle from the University of Nebraska and former NFL star, has committed **\$12.6 million** to transform a historic Lincoln estate into a full-service shelter for **homeless and at-risk youth** across Nebraska.
The initiative, named the **“Suh Strong Foundation Center,”** will provide safe housing, educational support, mental health services, and career readiness programs for vulnerable youth ages 13–22. It represents one of the largest personal philanthropic efforts ever made by a Nebraska athlete and is being hailed as a transformative step in addressing youth homelessness in the state.
Speaking at a press conference held on the grounds of the future shelter, Suh emphasized the personal importance of this project.
I’ve been blessed with success through football, but this — this is about purpose,” Suh said. “These young people deserve a chance at life, a place to feel safe, and a support system that tells them they matter. I’m here to help build that.”
Suh, who played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 2005 to 2009 and later for several NFL teams, including the Lions, Dolphins, and Buccaneers, has long supported causes tied to education and youth development. However, this is his most direct and ambitious effort to date.
The new facility will be located on a 15-acre property near downtown Lincoln and is expected to open in 2026. It will feature residential dorms for up to 80 youth, a learning center for tutoring and GED support, counseling and therapy offices, a health clinic, job training facilities, a kitchen and dining hall, and recreational spaces.
The center will operate in partnership with local nonprofits, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, and Lincoln Public Schools. According to Suh’s team, discussions are already underway to involve University of Nebraska students and volunteers in mentorship and support roles.
The goal is to create more than just a shelter,” said Michelle Reyes, project manager for the Suh Strong Foundation. “We want to give these young people the tools to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential.
The announcement drew praise from civic leaders, educators, and former teammates alike.
This is leadership at its finest,” said Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird. “Mr. Suh’s contribution will change lives and help break the cycle of homelessness for countless youth in our community.”
Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts added, “Ndamukong is a perfect example of what it means to be a Husker for life not just on the field, but in the world.”
Fans and alumni took to social media to applaud Suh’s efforts. One post read, “He sacked quarterbacks on Saturdays, now he’s tackling one of Nebraska’s biggest challenges. Total respect.
Suh’s journey from standout college athlete to philanthropist is one of the most inspiring in modern college football history. Though he made millions during his professional career, Suh has frequently spoken about using his platform and earnings to give back.
Football gave me everything,” Suh said. “But it also gave me the responsibility to use what I’ve earned to do something meaningful — something lasting.
He hopes the **Suh Strong Foundation Center** will serve as a model for similar facilities in other underserved areas and plans to engage with other former athletes to expand the concept nationally.
Construction on the shelter will begin this summer, with initial services rolling out by the end of 2025. Suh concluded the press event with a challenge to others in positions of influence.
If you have the means, use them. If you have the platform, speak up. And if you have the heart — give back. Nebraska raised me. Now it’s my turn to give Nebraska’s future a place to grow.”
With that, one of the most feared defenders in college football history has made his biggest move yet — not on the field, but in the fight for hope.
