Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper may be facing the end of his NFL career, following the Lions’ 19-16 Week 18 victory over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The win not only marked the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season but also an emotional moment for longtime Lions linemen, including Taylor Decker and Skipper himself.

Has Dan Skipper’s NFL Career Reached Its End?

Speaking with reporters after Detroit’s victory over the Bears, Skipper, 31, admitted through tears that his NFL journey may be over.

“This might be the last one,” Skipper said, referring to the Week 18 matchup.

The offensive tackle revealed he plans to meet with doctors in the coming weeks due to ongoing lower back issues and a series of surgeries over the years.

“You start getting some pretty intense surgeries – I’m old, tall. So, we’ll see what happens,” Skipper explained.

Despite the uncertainty, Skipper reflected on his time with the Lions, highlighting the memories both on and off the field.

“Finding a way to just stick around and stick in, and finding a home with guys that appreciate you… it’s a special place,” he said. “It’ll always hold a place in our heart. We had a kid born here. My boys know the damn fight song.”

Dan Skipper’s NFL Journey: From Undrafted Free Agent to Lions Mainstay

Dan Skipper entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. He later spent time on the practice squads of the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts before joining the Lions in 2019.

Currently in his fourth stint with Detroit, Skipper has become a veteran presence and played in all 17 regular season games during the 2025 season.

Skipper Praises Detroit Lions Medical Staff for Support

Throughout his career, Skipper has battled injuries, including a low-ankle sprain during the 2025 Hall of Fame Game. He praised the Lions’ medical and training staff for helping him play through pain.

“I’ve just never had a ‘quit’ bone in me. You find a way to play through it for the guys next to you, for your family, for everyone else,” Skipper said.
“Some weeks you can’t even move. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the aging process. I owe a lot to the training staff.”

While his future remains uncertain, Skipper’s emotional remarks underscore a career filled with perseverance, dedication, and loyalty to the Detroit Lions.