YouTube influencer turned boxer Jake Paul has never been someone who lacks confidence. One might say NFL athletes are built the same way.
Yet, to play in the NFL takes years of practice and training against fellow athletes. It’s not exactly something you can one day wake up and aspire to at the age of 29. But despite the seemingly insurmountable mountain, that challenge won’t deter Paul’s interest.
However, one Super Bowl champion didn’t hold back when assessing Paul’s chances of making it to the NFL.
Ndamukong Suh Keeps it Real with Jake Paul
Paul has accomplished pretty much everything he’s put his mind to. But this latest ambition might be a touch out of reach.
Paul recently suggested playing slot receiver in the NFL, much like Wes Welker once did, won’t be all that difficult for him. That stance attracted detractors like a magnet.
The latest to join the fray is Super Bowl champion Ndamukong Suh. The three-time All-Pro defensive tackle admitted he “doesn’t know if [Paul] is built” to pursue a career in the NFL at this stage in his life.
“I don’t knock the self-confidence, but reality is it ain’t easy to play football,” Suh said.
“First and foremost, you gotta be, to be a slot receiver, be okay with getting blasted by a guy like me coming across the middle. I don’t know if you’re built for that one. But hey, why don’t we have a team give you a chance and you can prove everybody wrong.”
Should an NFL team give @jakepaul a chance? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yxMRkO2daN
— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) August 6, 2026
Suh was seen laughing to himself at first while he was listening to Paul’s comments. It was almost as if it was hard to take Paul’s remarks seriously, yet the five-time Pro Bowl defender knows just how difficult it is to compete at football’s highest level, and keep in mind, Paul didn’t even play college football, so the NFL would be a significant leap.
Once he heard Paul saying he could easily take on the Welker role, Suh made sure to take notice. Yet, like many others, he commended Paul for his confidence.
Ultimately, Suh closed with a sentiment that many others can likely agree with.
While Paul may feel this way, there’s only one way to find out whether he can put his money where his mouth is: by an NFL team giving him a tryout. What would anyone involved in that scenario have to lose?
