Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, bringing an end to a long and resilient professional football journey.

Following the Lions’ season finale against the Chicago Bears, Skipper previously hinted that his playing days might be over. Now, that decision has been finalized.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Skipper confirmed he is stepping away from football as a player and plans to pursue a future in coaching.

“Twenty-four years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” Skipper 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!).”

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Dan Skipper’s NFL Career Comes to an End

Skipper entered the NFL in 2017 as an undrafted free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, beginning a career defined by perseverance and adaptability.

He later joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, marking the first of what would become four separate stints with the franchise. Along the way, Skipper also spent time with multiple NFL organizations, including:

Denver Broncos

New England Patriots

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

Indianapolis Colts

Skipper returned to Detroit for his second stint in 2019 and ultimately became a trusted depth piece along the Lions’ offensive line.

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Skipper Hinted at Retirement After Lions’ Finale vs. Bears

After Detroit’s final game of the season against Chicago, an emotional Skipper spoke candidly about the possibility of retirement.

“This may be the last one,” he said.

He also reflected on what the Lions organization meant to him and his family, including his children learning the team’s fight song.

“Finding a way to stick around and finding a home… Detroit is a special place. It’ll always hold a place in our heart. We had a kid born here and my boys know the damn fight song.”

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Injuries and Surgeries Factored Into Retirement Decision

Skipper admitted that a growing list of injuries and surgeries played a major role in his decision to step away from the game.

“You start getting some pretty intense surgeries—I’m old, tall,” he said. “Some weeks you can’t move. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the aging process.”

Despite the physical toll, Skipper expressed gratitude toward the Lions’ training staff and the organization that helped extend his career.

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Dan Skipper by the Numbers

Height: 6’10” (tallest player in the NFL)

NFL Seasons: 7

Games Played: 69

Games Started: 16

Teams: Cowboys, Lions, Broncos, Patriots, Texans, Raiders, Colts

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What’s Next for Dan Skipper?

While his playing days are over, Skipper has made it clear that football is still very much in his future—just on the sidelines.

With his experience, leadership, and respect around the league, a coaching role could be the next chapter in his football journey.