National Football League

Suh praised despite being named one of league's 21 'at risk' players

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

Despite being identified by the NFL as one of the league's 21 "at risk" players because of their on-field actions, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh actually was praised by the man in charge of player safety.

Troy Vincent, a former player who is now the NFL's executive vice president of football operations, met with Suh during the offseason to address his playing style.

Suh was suspended for two games in 2011 for stomping on an opponent with his foot and received a $100,000 fine for an illegal block last season, just part of the disciplinary measures taken against him during his five-year career.

The 21 players were singled out as being "close to escalated discipline" if they are guilty of another serious infraction.

Nevertheless, Vincent came away impressed with Suh's sincerity for cleaning up his image as a dirty player.

"He was very receptive, he understood, he cared about the perception, his reputation and I told him we're not trying to take the edge he plays with away," Vincent told NFL.com. "I said, 'We've seen you adjust, we've seen an adjustment in your play, let's keep that going.'

"We met for hours, talking about the example he set, the role model he's become and emphasizing his adjustments. What he did was set the bar high with this approval since he was the first (player to meet with Vincent)."