Shafer Suggs
Former NFL Player for the NY Jets
My Story
Shafer Suggs was born on April 28, 1953, in Elkhart, Indiana. He attended Elkhart High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. His skills as a defensive back earned him a spot on the All-State First Team in 1970.
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College Career at Ball State University
Suggs attended Ball State University from 1972 to 1976, where he became a standout two-sport athlete. He was a four-year starter in football and a three-year starter in basketball. In football, he set a school record with 14 career interceptions, including eight in the 1974 season. His achievements earned him recognition as the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Defensive Player of the Year and an Associated Press Second-Team All-American in 1975.
On the basketball court, Suggs averaged 10.7 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, ranking eighth in career rebounds at Ball State. He chose to forgo his senior basketball season to participate in college football all-star games.
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Professional Football Career
Suggs was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1976 NFL Draft. He played as a strong safety for the Jets from 1976 to 1980, leading the team in tackles during the 1978 and 1979 seasons. In 1980, he was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals and later played for the Montreal Alouettes (1981) and the New Jersey Generals (1983).
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Post-Football Career
After retiring from professional football, Suggs built a successful career in sales and marketing, holding senior executive positions at companies such as Motorola, Superior Uniform Group, DHL Worldwide Express, and Cintas Corporation.
He is currently acquiring certification to become a Certified Recovery Support Services Coach (CRSS), using his journey and experiences to help others in recovery. Additionally, he serves on the Executive Board of WHO AM I, a nonprofit organization dedicated to investing in the future of youth.
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Personal Life
Suggs was married to Susan Hoster-Suggs, with whom he had two children, Faith Brianne and Devyn Shafer. Susan passed away in 2011.
Shafer Suggs’s journey—from a multi-sport athlete in Indiana to a professional football player, business executive, and advocate for recovery and youth empowerment—exemplifies resilience, dedication, and personal growth.