In a remarkable turn of events, Dan Skipper has joined the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions, marking a full-circle moment in his career. As a coach, he aims to motivate young players who may be struggling, drawing on his own experiences of resilience, hard work, determination, and redemption.
Skipper, who spent much of his career as a practice squad player, participated in 69 games in the NFL, with 66 of those games played while with the Lions. Each summer, he battled fiercely to secure a roster spot, only to be met with disappointment when he did not make the final cut. His nine-year journey in the league was fraught with challenges, including uncertainty and rejection, yet he also reached great heights, including being part of a Super Bowl-winning team.
Originally, Skipper”s impressive 6-foot-10, 309-pound stature and his achievements at the University of Arkansas garnered attention during the 2017 NFL Draft, but he went undrafted. He subsequently signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys, where he spent time on the practice squad before being released. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the Lions, although he remained on the practice squad that season. He later signed a reserve/future contract but was waived prior to the 2018 season.
Following a brief stint with the Denver Broncos practice squad, he was claimed by the New England Patriots in January 2019, contributing to their Super Bowl LIII victory over the Los Angeles Rams. After being signed to a reserve/future contract for the following season, he was picked up by the Houston Texans after being released from the Patriots” practice squad.
Skipper made a second return to the Lions in November 2019 after being claimed off waivers. He oscillated between the practice squad and the active roster before being promoted on December 14, 2019. Hopes of making the 2020 roster were dashed when he suffered an injury during the preseason and was waived with an injury designation, later rejoining the practice squad.
On December 19, 2021, Skipper officially returned to the active roster, and in a surprising twist during the Week 17 finale against the Minnesota Vikings, he took his first snaps as a defensive tackle. Despite showcasing his versatility and reliability, another injury setback led to his waiver in September 2021. After being signed to the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad, he would eventually find his way back to the Lions.
Despite not being re-signed for the 2023 season after appearing in 16 games and starting five, Skipper returned to the Lions” practice squad for a fourth time. In mid-October, he was elevated to the active roster and played a significant role in a memorable game against the Cowboys that fans now refer to as the “Dan Skipper game.” In a controversial moment, a penalty nullified a potential two-point conversion pass he caught. However, rather than facing backlash, the fans rallied around him, turning him into a beloved figure.
Skipper finally scored his first NFL touchdown on December 15, 2024, a moment that was celebrated by teammates and fans alike. His light-hearted demeanor was evident when he was caught on camera during a post-game speech, further endearing him to the fanbase.
However, the physical toll of the game became apparent as he dealt with various injuries, leading to his decision to retire on January 22, 2026. In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude for the experiences the NFL provided him and announced his intention to pursue a coaching career.
Now, as he steps into his new role as a coach with the Lions, Skipper”s journey from player to coach embodies the spirit of perseverance. His ability to connect with players and share his experiences will undoubtedly inspire those who walk the path he once traveled. Skipper is not just a former player; he is now a mentor, ready to guide the next generation of Lions.
