Ndamukong Suh hopes he can put the Bucs ‘over the top’

TAMPA — It’s been a week of commitments for Ndamukong Suh.

First, the defensive tackle signed a one-year, $9.25-million contract with the Bucs to essentially replace Gerald McCoy, who was released. Then he got engaged to his girlfriend, Katya Leick, during a vacation to France.

Suh finally broke his silence about joining the Bucs Monday on the Tennis Channel.

That’s right. Suh and his fiancee were taking in the action at the French Open in Paris when he made an appearance as a guest on the network.

"This week was a big week,'' Suh said.. "I was very blessed to have the new contract and go to the Bucs and go down there, but I have a fiancee now. I proposed and got down on a knee and she’s here with me and we’re enjoying this great country. She’s a great woman, she’s been by my side for many, many years. We grew up together to say the least and I’m very, very blessed to say the least as well.''

Suh apparently will miss Organized Team Activities, which resume Tuesday. But Suh said he is anxious to begin making an impact for the Bucs. Last season, he played for the NFC Champion Rams before losing in the Super Bowl. He also played for the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.

"I’m very excited,” Suh said. “I actually had the opportunity to talk very deeply with (defensive coordinator) Todd Bowles, as well as Bruce Arians, two elite coaches that I’ve had great interactions with in years past. I like being part of things you can build, and be able to put them over the top. Hopefully my talent, as well as all the other guys — former Nebraskans, Lavonte David— we can play together and change the game there and get us to a winning situation.”

Suh was asked about Rafael Nadal, who won his first match of the tournament at Rolland Garros. "Obviously, he’s an amazing athlete,'' Suh said of Nadal. "Just his change of direction, his drop shots, the ability to get side to side on the court to make those amazing shots, it’s amazing to be out here and watch it and obviously beautiful France is a great country and the weather is doing us great justice.''

Suh has a relationship with Serena Williams and said the champion tennis star once sent a gift to his mother on Mother’s Day.

Arians will address the signing of Suh following practice later Tuesday.