Lean, mean Suggs looking forward to strong camp

July 30, 2010 2:29 PM by Dan Kolko View Comments

Terrell Suggs said that he would show up to training camp in shape and ready to make up for a sub-par 2009 season.

Mission accomplished.

Suggs has noticeably slimmed down from last season, when he weighed a hefty 283 pounds and had trouble staying healthy. The three-time Pro Bowler says he's lost about 20 pounds this offseason, and is back around the 260 mark that he played at early in his career.

How'd he do it?

"I just went and found the meaning of life and ran the pyramids...nah I'm just playing," Suggs joked. "It's just dieting right and running a little bit more."

Suggs finished the 2008 season with a shoulder injury, which limited his offseason workouts. He then injured his heel very early in camp, causing him to miss most of the month of practices.

"I think that really kind of hindered me," Suggs said. "I didn't have the chance to get the reps and get into game shape. This year, I'm taking the bull by the horns."

His coaches have noticed. Head coach John Harbaugh was complimentary of Suggs after today's practice, and seems to be pleased with the progress the linebacker has made this offseason.

"He's got all his enthusiasm, he's excited to be here," Harbaugh said. "He is in very good shape. He really dominated the conditioning test, and I think he's excited to work with Ted [Monachino, outside linebackers coach]. So I think he's going to have a good camp."

While he lost a good chunk of weight over the last few months, Suggs says he might not be done yet. He says he still wants to shed a few more pounds, something which might not be too difficult during a month of two-a-days under the hot Westminster sun.

The inspiration behind all the work is Suggs' 2009 campaign, in which he posted a career-low 4.5 sacks and 58 tackles, the lowest mark since his rookie season.

"Every athlete goes through and up and down time in their career," Suggs said. "Last year was mine. There are no exceptions."