He played college football for the Ball State Cardinals before being selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the 1976 NFL draft.
As a senior, he was the Mid-American Conference defensive player of the year and was an AP second team All-American.
He missed seven games due to a shoulder separation he suffered in car accident on his way to training camp.
In 1978 Suggs returned from injuries to start all 16 games at strong safety for the Jets, leading the team in tackles.
During the season, he scored his first and only NFL touchdown, returning an interception 32 yards, in a Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings.