Two Lions Legends Join College Football Hall of Fame

Two Detroit Lions greats just earned college football's highest honor, proving their dominance started long before the NFL.

Herman Moore and Ndamukong Suh will join the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class, the National Football Foundation announced Wednesday. Both players dominated at the college level before becoming beloved figures in Detroit.

Moore terrorized ACC defenses at the University of Virginia, leading the conference in yards per reception for three straight years. In his final two seasons, he caught 90 passes for 2,038 yards and 23 touchdowns, earning consensus All-American honors and finishing sixth in Heisman voting in 1990.

The Lions selected Moore 10th overall in 1991, and he rewarded them with a brilliant career. He became a three-time First-Team All-Pro, led the NFL in receptions twice, and still ranks second on Detroit's all-time receiving list with 9,174 yards.

Suh's college career at Nebraska was equally spectacular. From 2008 to 2009, he racked up 161 tackles, 36.5 tackles for loss, 19.5 sacks, and even grabbed three interceptions as a defensive lineman, returning two for touchdowns.

His 2009 season was historic. Suh finished fourth in Heisman voting as a defensive player, won Defensive Player of the Year, and earned consensus All-American honors.

Detroit drafted Suh second overall in 2010, and he immediately became one of the NFL's most dominant defensive forces. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-Pro honors in his debut season, launching a five-year run with the Lions that included 36 sacks.

Why This Inspires

Both players proved that excellence isn't accidental. Their Hall of Fame college careers showed the dedication and talent they'd bring to Detroit, inspiring a generation of fans who watched them dominate on Sundays.

Moore and Suh represent different eras of Lions football, but their paths share a common thread: relentless pursuit of greatness from day one. Their college accolades weren't just stepping stones but proof they belonged among the sport's elite.

The December 8 ceremony in Las Vegas will celebrate 18 players and four coaches, but for Detroit fans, these two names shine brightest.