Dan Skipper, the 31-year-old offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, has officially announced his retirement from professional football after eight seasons in the NFL. Skipper shared the news on his Instagram account, reflecting on his journey in the sport.
“[Twenty-four] years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” he wrote. “This year, I’ll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching. 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!).”
Skipper, who hails from Arvada, Colorado, began his professional career as an undrafted free agent after playing college football at Arkansas. Throughout his time in the league, he made significant contributions, appearing in 69 games for both the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans. Notably, he scored his only career touchdown during a high-scoring matchup against the Buffalo Bills on December 12, 2024.
As he transitions to coaching, Skipper’s extensive experience and unique insight into the game will likely benefit future players. His decision to step into coaching after an impressive career highlights a commitment to the sport and the next generation of athletes. The NFL community wishes him well as he embarks on this new chapter.