ALLEN PARK -- Ndamukong Suh has heard the criticism and it doesn't bother him. The Detroit Lions All-Pro defensive tackle's only offseason priority was sticking with the program that's kept him healthy and productive his first four professional seasons.

Suh came under fire for skipping out on the team's voluntary workouts and minicamp last month, but he noted it's the same way he has approached every offseason.

"This is the same time I came last year, so I'm a person (about) being consistent," Suh said. "I've been in a great program, one that's dialed exactly into me and what's best for my body to have longevity, which has been proven."

That fact can't be disputed. Suh hasn't missed a game due to injury in his career and rarely sits out a practice. He's also been one of the league's most consistently disruptive interior pass rushers during that stretch.

But the notable differences, compared to previous years, is the Lions have a new coaching staff and Suh is in a position of leadership after serving as a captain in 2013.

Suh had reasonable counters to both points, noting he was one of the first players to meet the new coaches while working out at the team's facility earlier in the offseason.

He also reminded reporters that his teammates didn't question his ability to lead last season, despite his personal offseason schedule causing him to miss voluntary workouts.

"Last year I came in the same exact time and showed I was worthy of wearing that 'C' at that point in time," Suh said.

Suh reiterated his desire to stay in Detroit long-term, saying his absence had nothing to do with his on-going contract negotiations.

As for the criticism, which has flooded in from all directions, including his own Twitter feed, Suh has definitely seen it.

"For sure, I'm aware of it," Suh said. "I have friends, family, people that are close to me that are saying people are saying bad things about me. There are people that are always going to talk bad about you. You have to be a deaf mute if didn't hear it."

But just because Suh has heard it doesn't mean he's taking it to heart.

"I hear it, but it doesn't necessarily bother me because I'm staying consistent in who I am," Suh said. "I'm going to be here, prepared when it's time to go, as I am now."

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