Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper announced his retirement from the NFL over social media on Thursday.
Skipper, 31, started five of the 12 games in which he appeared this season and 16 of the 69 in his career with the Lions and Houston Texans.
“24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” Skipper wrote on Instagram. “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!)”
Skipper’s joke about reporting stems from a controversial ending in Detroit’s 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 30, 2023.
Officials ruled Skipper reported as an eligible receiver on a two-point conversion attempt in the waning moments of the fourth quarter. Fellow offensive lineman Taylor Decker caught a pass for the apparent successful conversion. However, the Lions were flagged for illegal touching as officials ruled Decker wasn’t eligible.
Skipper caught a 9-yard touchdown pass in the Lions’ 48-42 setback versus the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15, 2024.
According to a report, Skipper is volunteering as an offensive line coach at the upcoming East-West Shrine Bowl. He will be working with the East team. The contest is Tuesday.
