Lions’ tough guy Suh donates gear to Detroit high school

Thieves stole team’s equipment

The Frederick Douglas High School football team practices just days before Homecoming on Tuesday, in Detroit. The teams locker room was broken into and more than 20 sets of helmets, pads and cleats were stolen.

Associated Press

Members of the Frederick Douglas High School football team practices on Tuesday, in Detroit. The teams locker room was broken into and more than 20 sets of helmets, pads and cleats were stolen.

DETROIT — One of the most feared defensive tackles in the NFL is making sure players at a Detroit high school are suited up for their homecoming game after thieves made off with much of their equipment.

Detroit Lions star Ndamukong Suh’s Family Foundation worked with various companies to donate about 50 pairs of new cleats and gloves to the Frederick Douglass College Preparatory Academy for Young Men, his sister said Thursday.

On Monday, the team’s coaches discovered the school’s field house had been burglarized. Pads, helmets and other items were stolen.

“Ndamukong became aware of the tragedy and decided to lend a helping hand,” said Ngum Suh, the foundation’s operations director.

Suh’s sister declined to put a value on the donated material.

Earlier, the Bob Maxey Ford dealership donated $3,000, the Detroit Free Press said.

Suh was the second overall pick in last year’s NFL draft. He started every game in his rookie season and finished with 48 tackles and 10 sacks on his way to winning The Associated Press 2010 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Ngum Suh said the equipment will be delivered in time for Friday’s homecoming game between Frederick Douglass and Detroit’s Denby High School. Ndamukong Suh was expected to attend the game.

Frederick Douglass is 4-1 on the season. The school has about 225 students in grades six through 12.

The Detroit Public Schools district faces a $327 million budget deficit. Its schools often are targeted by thieves. Dozens of laptop computers have been stolen during burglaries over the past few years.

Three years ago, electrical wiring, copper plumbing and toilets were stolen during a break-in at the Frederick Douglass field house.