ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Ndamukong Suh didn’t exactly campaign to become a Detroit Lions captain, but he also made it pretty well known that he wanted to be one, if possible.

On Friday, it was announced he achieved that goal, being named one of the Lions’ six captains along with quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, linebacker Stephen Tulloch, kicker David Akers and special-teamer John Wendling.

“It’s always something prideful that you can take,” Suh said earlier this week. “It’s an honor. Something you can appreciate. Regardless of whether or not I do have it, there are still ways [to lead].

“Coach has said it many times in our team meetings: Just because you don’t have a ‘C’ on your chest doesn’t mean you’re not a leader.”

Suh is less experienced than the rest of the Detroit captains, this being his fourth year in the league. One of the Lions’ top players, players and coaches said that he has matured into this role.

“It’s just part of his growth,” coach Jim Schwartz said. “Each step along the way he’s done a better job with just everything that goes onto it. He’s always been a great player.

“We saw the same maturation with Calvin Johnson, saw the same thing with Matt Stafford. As they were around, they got more and more respect from their teammates. It’s reflective of that.”

Note: Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham said Friday he will coach from the press box this season instead of on the field. He said he has preferred coaching from the box in the past. He and Schwartz worked on the logistics of it during the preseason.