A former NFL player says Warren Buffett taught him 2 lessons about success that he still follows years later

Warren Buffett has mentored Ndamukong Suh for over 15 years.

Kent Sievers/The Omaha World-Herald Ndamukong Suh, mentored by Warren Buffett, became a savvy NFL investor over 15 years.

Buffett's advice on patience and choosing quality people influenced Suh's investment success.

Suh now shares wealth-building lessons on his podcast "No Free Lunch" with athletes and leaders.

Ndamukong Suh wasn't taking any chances before his first meeting with Warren Buffett .

While still a college student, the soon-to-be NFL star arrived at Buffett's office two to three hours early because he refused to risk being late, he said.

The wait paid off, though.

Suh said he and Buffett hit it off, talking for hours during that first meeting.

Before it ended, Buffett agreed to Suh's request to become his mentor .

That was more than 15 years ago.

Suh went on to spend 13 years in the NFL , establishing himself as one of the league's most dominant defensive linemen while playing for five teams.

He capped his career with a Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.

Ndamukong Suh played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Philadelphia Eagles.

George Gojkovich/Getty Images While earning millions over his career, Suh built a reputation as one of the NFL's more serious athlete-investors, assembling a portfolio that spans real estate, private equity, venture capital, and hospitality businesses.