Ndamukong Suh Poses with Twins at U of Nebraska Hall of Fame Induction (Exclusive)

Ndamukong Suh had his family by his side as he was inducted into the University of Nebraska Hall of Fame.

The NFL pro, 37, was photographed with his 3-year-old twin sons Kingston and Khari, as well as his wife Katya, as he received the special honor. Chatting with PEOPLE exclusively about the moment, Suh shares that the day was made extra special with the inclusion of his family.

“Being inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame was a great honor and recognition, especially with the amazing class I joined with,” Suh tells PEOPLE. “Joining the football class amongst all the greats is truly one of a kind.”

“It was a blessing to be able to share this honor with my wife, boys, older sister and mother. Life is so precious and I know my father was looking down on me very proud, smiling ear to ear!”

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Suh’s wife Katya also shared with PEOPLE about her experience, noting that it felt like home to return to the Nebraska college.

“It was amazing to see the Nebraska community rally around and cheer for Ndamukong — someone who has been out of college for over a decade. The Huskers are truly a forever fanbase and a great crowd to be around,” Katya says.

“While the boys have gone to many football games, this was the first time they really understood what was going on. This was different as they got to really see Daddy on the field, getting cheered for and engaging with the players and coaching staff.”

“Evan as a mom who wants to see her boys play basketball, I loved witnessing them literally falling in love with football in real-time,” she adds.

To celebrate their sons’ third birthday this year, Suh and his wife shared exclusive photos from the boys’ birthday party, which featured construction-themed cakes.

“With the boys’ and my wife’s birthdays back to back, it was a big week of celebrating in the Suh house,” Ndamukong told PEOPLE. “It’s crazy to think that Kingston and Khari are already 3, but I have to say that this year has been the most fun year of parenting yet.”

“The boys have really grown into themselves and it’s been exciting to see how their different personalities and interests have developed,” the professional athlete shared.