Lions Offensive Tackle Dan Skipper Announces Retirement

After a nine-year journey in the NFL, Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper has decided to retire. The 31-year-old made the announcement on Thursday with a heartfelt Instagram post, revealing that he plans to pursue a coaching career after “wearing pads and a helmet every fall for 24 years.”

In his message, Skipper expressed how difficult it is to put into words the memories and experiences the NFL has provided him and his family. “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey,” he noted. “It’s time to ‘announce’ my retirement. (Sorry to have to announce it one last time!)”

Retirement had been on Skipper’s mind throughout the regular season. Notably, on January 4, he mentioned to reporters that he had been dealing with persistent back pain during that time, and was considering medical exams to assess his future on the field. “It’s going to be a pretty intense surgery, but I’m older and taller, so we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Over his career, Skipper bounced from the Cowboys to the Broncos, Patriots, Texans, Raiders, Colts, and had four separate tenures with the Lions. He participated in 66 games, starting 16 for Detroit, and is one of only three offensive linemen in the team’s history to have caught a touchdown pass.

Interestingly, Skipper’s coaching aspirations might start sooner than expected. Reports indicate he will serve as the volunteer offensive line coach for the East team at next week’s East-West Shrine Bowl.

Skipper began his football journey at the University of Arkansas before entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys in May 2017.