The Detroit Lions just saw one of their most interesting offensive line pieces retire.
Dan Skipper announced on Thursday that he'd be stepping away from the NFL, retiring after bouncing between the Lions and other teams for six seasons. The journeyman tackle had been a favorite amongst Lions fans for the goofy ways in which Ben Johnson utilized him on offense, and his experience lended itself to a sudden lack of depth at the position this season.
Skipper spoke directly to fans in his retirement statement on Thursday with an emotional goodbye:
"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. 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 apart of my journey. It's time for me to "report" as retired. (Sorry I had to do it one last time!)"
Skipper says emotional goodbye to Lions fans
Coaching will likely be a great fit for Skipper, who has seen just about every part of the NFL experience as a lineman. He jumped up and down practice squads throughout the league, spending his last few seasons with the Lions as an occasional swing tackle who was also a potential receiver.
With this retirement announcement, Lions fans are likely on the edge of their seats waiting to see if Skipper is the only tackle walking this year. Taylor Decker, who Skipper often played in place of this season, has hinted at how difficult this season was for him health-wise.
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It wouldn't be shocking to see Decker also step away from the game, although that departure would be even more heartbreaking considering he's been with the Lions organization since being drafted by them in 2016.
Skipper, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, will be volunteering as an offensive line coach in the East-West Shrine Bowl this year on the East team.
Could the Lions bring Skipper back as a coach alongside Hank Fraley, who currently helms the Lions' offensive line and running back room? He's already familiar with the teams' depth, and he could be a good veteran to have Giovanni Manu leaning on throughout this season. It'd be a fun thing for the team to mull over, and something Skipper would probably love to do.
If Decker retires, then Manu's role immediately becomes magnified. Skipper would be a great developmental coach for someone like Manu, who has yet to reach his potential while in Detroit. Even aside from Manu, Skipper would be the perfect veteran for any rookie lineman that the Lions bring on this season to lean on and consult with throughout mini camps.