Detroit Lions veteran offensive tackle Dan Skipper has officially announced that his playing days are over.
In a heartfelt social media post, Skipper revealed that after 24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall, he is retiring from football and transitioning into a coaching career.
“24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall. This year I’ll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching,” Skipper wrote. “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.”
Skipper, 31, spent the 2025 season with the Lions and appeared in 12 games, serving as a valuable depth piece along Detroit’s offensive line. At 6-foot-9 and 334 pounds, he became a fan favorite in Detroit not only for his size and versatility, but for his perseverance after bouncing around the league early in his career.
Originally an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas in 2017, Skipper carved out a seven-year NFL career, appearing in 69 games and earning the respect of teammates and coaches for his work ethic and professionalism.
Now, Skipper will look to begin a new chapter in football, this time on the sideline rather than in the huddle, as he pursues opportunities in coaching.
