Terrell Suggs admits that his return to Baltimore this weekend is a great story.
Suggs, who signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Cardinals in March, spent the first 16 seasons of his career with the Ravens. The 36-year-old linebacker won a Super Bowl championship and went to seven Pro Bowls during his time in Baltimore. He also set franchise records for sacks (132.5) and games played (229).
So he says it will be "weird" playing against his old team, back in Baltimore, in only his second game as a member of the Cardinals.
"I don't know what to expect walking back into M&T," Suggs said earlier this week (via BaltimoreRavens.com). "I'm going to do my best to enjoy it — the good, the bad and the ugly. It's going to be kind of weird for all of us.
"This is one hell of a storyline. I consider myself a good screenwriter. I could never have wrote this though. This is a very unique week. I'm just going to enjoy the ride."
Sure, there will be plenty of memories and small talk with old teammates and friends.
But come game time, Suggs said it's all business.
"I think we're all clear that for three hours come Sunday, they are my opponent," Suggs said (via the Arizona Republic). I am their opponent. They are my opponent. They're going to try to win. I'm going to try to win."
Suggs, who turns 37 on Oct. 11, is playing remarkably well not just for his age, but any age. In the season opener against the Lions, he recorded two sacks and a forced fumble.
Suggs said earlier this week he has no regrets about leaving Baltimore. It was a homecoming of sorts, as he played high school football in Arizona and starred at Arizona State.
“It was a tough [decision],” Suggs said. “Wrestled with it, kind of made a decision in the last hour. As time has shown, both teams made the best decision. It worked out for everybody. They definitely made a last push. I just felt it was time.”