Ndamukong Suh Shows some 'American Muscle' on Discovery

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh meets “Tank Dog” in the second episode of Discovery’s American Muscle, airing Wednesday, July 16–and a moment that could have turned ugly ends on a sweet note.

The Funny or Die-produced reality show is set at Barwis Methods Training Center just outside of Detroit, where strength-training coach Mike Barwis helps people reach their muscle potential, and some of his clients are professional athletes. Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman appeared in the first episode on July 9.

According to PrideofDetroit.com, Suh caused some controversy by being absent from voluntary workouts with his teammates. American Muscle shows he was putting in the gym time.

In one clip, assistant strength and conditioning coach Eric “Tank Dog” Potis, a dedicated Green Bay Packers fan, gets some grief from Suh for wearing his favorite team’s jersey, with the Lion telling him to “take that weak jersey off.” Potis responds, “A lot of Packer fans don’t like you,” to which Suh replies, “Hey, that’s all right. A lot of people don’t like me.”

“I’m trying to help bridge the gap between you and Green Bay fans,” Potis explains. “So I don’t want you trying to kill anybody on Green Bay.”

Potis then tries to figure out what happened between Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub–now with the Oakland Raiders–and Suh in a game on Thanksgiving Day 2012. The kicking incident wound up costing Suh $30,000 in fines. Potis presses for an explanation. All he gets from Suh is a wave behind him and, “That’s in the woods, man,” which is the same answer he gets when he asks Suh if he and Schaub hugged after the game.

So Potis decides to recreate the way he wished the whole thing had ended. Have a look:

But Suh hasn’t lost his edge, as seen in this clip in which things get a little tense during some weightlifting….

Upcoming episodes feature Cleveland Indians first baseman Nick Swisher (July 23); retired NFL star Shawne Merriman, who wants to be an action-movie star, and NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman (July 30); NBA star Baron Davis and Green Bay Packers defensive end Jerel Worthy (Aug. 6); former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans (Aug. 20); Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon and former Michigan State wide receiver Mark Dell, who is rehabbing from an injury (Aug. 27); and the NFL’s “Honey Badger,” Arizona Cardinals free safety Tyrann Mathieu.