Ndamukong Suh (R) of the Detroit Lions holds the trophy as it was presented by Pepsi Vice President Jeff Dubiel at the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year at a news conference in Dallas, Texas, February 3, 2011.
Ndamukong Suh (R) of the Detroit Lions holds the trophy as it was presented by Pepsi Vice President Jeff Dubiel at the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year at a news conference in Dallas, Texas, February 3, 2011. REUTERS

Ndamukong Su, the Detroit Lions' ferocious defensive tackle was named the NFL's rookie of the year Thursday in a ceremony in Dallas. Suh is seen as a surprise choice, beating out heralded St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford who led the upstart Rams to a 7-9 record and one win from a playoff berth following a 1-15 campaign in 2009.

Suh was taken #2 in 2010 NFL Draft behind Bradford and brought new life to the Lions defense, becoming only the second rookie in NFL history to record 10 sacks, and the first defensive player to win the award that is voted on by NFL fans. Suh also tallied 66 tackles, a forced fumble, an interception, a fumble return for a touchdown, and was named a starter for the NFC in the Pro Bowl game.

Many will recall Suh's sack on Cleveland Browns quarterback Jake Delhomme during the preseason as the play that announced Suh's arrival in the league.

Suh was later fined $15,000 by the league for this hit on Chicago Bears quarterback Jake Cutler.

During the ceremony, Suh thanked his teammates and expressed pride in bringing the award to Detroit.

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