Following the Detroit Lions’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship two years ago, head coach Dan Campbell offered a sobering reality check. He acknowledged how difficult it would be to return to that stage with the same group of players. At the time, many observers chalked it up to cautious coach-speak.
In hindsight, Campbell’s comments were prophetic.
Detroit fell short of the conference title game the following year, exiting in the divisional round, and failed to qualify for the postseason altogether in the most recent campaign. Now, another piece of that once-promising core has officially stepped away from the game.
On Thursday, offensive lineman Dan Skipper announced his retirement, marking another shift as the Lions continue retooling their offense.
Skipper’s NFL journey was anything but straightforward. He entered the league in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys and spent several years bouncing between rosters. Stops with the Texans, Colts, Patriots, and multiple stints with the Lions defined the early part of his career, as he searched for stability in a league known for its short leashes.
Eventually, Detroit became the place where Skipper made his biggest impact. Over the last three seasons, he emerged as a valuable contributor, earning respect for his persistence and versatility. His time with the Lions even included a memorable touchdown reception from quarterback Jared Goff. Despite being waived, signed to the practice squad, and later re-added to the active roster in 2025, Skipper continued to fight his way back—an embodiment of resilience in a profession filled with constant turnover.
While the retirement came without immediate warning, conversations had taken place in recent years about the toll injuries had taken on his body. That wear and tear ultimately played a role in his decision to walk away.
Though his playing career has come to an end, many around the league expect Skipper to remain involved in football. Coaching is widely viewed as a natural next step, and if he climbs the ranks the way he did as a player, he would stand out—literally. At 6-foot-10, Skipper would become the tallest head coach the NFL has ever seen.
