Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker has been a foundational piece of the franchise for a decade. But as the 2025 season winds down, the 32-year-old veteran is facing the most difficult question of his career: Is this his final year in the NFL?
Speaking with the Detroit Free Press, Decker made it clear he’ll take time after the season to think carefully about whether he’ll return in 2026. And this isn’t a snap decision; it’s one that includes football, family, health, and everything in between.
“Am I willing to do it?”
Decker explained that his choice goes far beyond whether he can physically keep playing. In his mind, the real question is whether he’s willing to put his body and his family through another grueling season.
“What are you willing to put your body through? What are you willing to put your family through? What time are you willing to spend?” Decker said.
“Am I willing to put other things that are important to me by the wayside? Namely, my kids and my family. Am I willing to do that? I don’t know.”
Decker has always been known as one of the Lions’ toughest players, but even he acknowledges that the mental and physical toll of the sport is catching up.
A Decade in Detroit — But Not Without Pain
The former Ohio State standout entered 2025 already dealing with shoulder pain that required AC joint surgery. While the goal of that procedure was to “clean things up,” it hasn’t solved the problem.
In fact, the pain has followed him everywhere, not just on Sundays.
“Like grabbing a cup off a shelf hurts. Picking my kids up hurts,” Decker said.
“I can’t sleep. I’ve been sleeping maybe four or five hours every night. It’s been brutal.”
Despite the discomfort, Decker continues to play at a high level. But he’s honest about the cost, and it’s becoming harder to ignore.
The Future of Detroit’s Offensive Line
If Decker decides to hang up the cleats, the ripple effect across Detroit’s offensive line would be significant. Penei Sewell would become the lone remaining member of the O-line core that helped elevate Detroit’s offense into one of the NFL’s best.
Decker is aware of that, too.
“If you replace everybody in the O-line room, is it still the same O-line?” he said. “Penei Sewell would be the only piece left. I think about that. Do I want to do that to my friend?”
But at the end of the day, Decker knows the NFL moves forward whether players are ready or not.
Not Done Yet — But Thinking Ahead
Even though Decker hasn’t made a decision, he’s reached one career milestone he always wanted: 10 seasons in the NFL. That’s an achievement many players never come close to.
And while he still believes he can play, he’s not sure if he’s willing to sacrifice the rest of his life to keep doing it.
Detroit won’t pressure him; that’s not who Dan Campbell or Brad Holmes are. But the Lions will have to prepare for the real possibility that 2025 may be the last ride for one of the franchise’s longest-tenured leaders.
Whether he returns or retires, one thing is certain: Taylor Decker’s legacy in Detroit is already set in stone.
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