The Detroit Lions are preparing for their 2026 NFL season, while the coaching changes, roster changes, free agency, and 2026 NFL Draft are on the horizon. But before the chaos began, their star veteran offensive tackle, Dan Skipper, quietly decided to announce retirement.
Skipper took it to Instagram to announce the news to the Detroit fans with a picture of his family. “[Twenty-four] years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall,” tackle Skipper wrote on Instagram.
Advertisement
MORE: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL commissioners called to the White House as Trump unveils major plans
“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!),” the 31-year-old tackle added.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Skipper can pursue a coaching career as the OT has so much experience in his walk of life.
Skipper built his NFL career the hard way, entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas in 2017. He spent time with several teams early on, including the Cowboys, Broncos, Patriots, and Texans, before carving out a meaningful role with the Detroit Lions.
Advertisement
Known for his massive 6-foot-9 frame and positional versatility, Skipper developed into a reliable swing tackle and extra blocker in jumbo packages.
While he was rarely in the spotlight, his steady contributions and blue-collar approach made him a trusted depth piece in Detroit. There is no doubt Skipper’s shoes can be filled in the Lions’ locker room.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
CFB: College football top 25 rankings 2026, final AP Top 25 Poll released
NFL: NFL insider rips Bills front office for saving Brandon Beane amid Sean McDermott debacle
NBA: Former NBA champion sits atop 2025-26 jersey sales at season’s midway point
Advertisement
MLB: 2026 MLB payrolls revealed: Top 10 highest-spending teams
ENTERTAINMENT: New Sphere venue heading to East Coast in major US expansion
VIRAL: Naomi Osaka reveals viral Australian Open outfit inspiration
The post Detroit Lions’ veteran tackle announces retirement decision amid 2026 offseason appeared first on The Big Lead.
