Total Pro Sports
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper has announced his retirement after nine seasons in the NFL.
Skipper, who struggled with a back injury this season, had said this year might be his last at the end of the 2024 campaign.
He plans to transition to coaching and will volunteer as an offensive line coach at the East-West Shrine Bowl this year.
The 31-year-old leaves the Lions on the back of four spells with them. He also played for the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts.
Although he was quite the journeyman, Skipper played 66 of his 69 active games with the Lions. He spent his final three seasons with the team.
Skipper also won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots while on their practice squad in 2018.
“24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” he wrote in an Instagram post. “This year I’ll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching.”
He added:
“The memories and experiences that the NFL has brought me and my family are hard to put into words. Thankful for every person that has been a part of my journey. It’s time for me to “report” as retired. (Sorry, I had to do it one last time!)”
A fav favorite in Detroit, the 6’9” Skipper was the tallest active player in the NFL last season. He enjoyed other roles in the Lions’ offensive setup during his time with the team.
Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson called plays for him at times. He would report and motion out wide as a receiver.
He caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in his career.
Johnson was a first-year head coach with the Chicago Bears this season. The Lions have since fired another coach in a surprising move.
Skipper becomes the latest Lions offensive lineman to retire after Frank Ragnow called it in following the 2024 season.
Ragnow attempted to return this season, but he did not pass his physical.
