A day after announcing he’s hanging up the pads, now former Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper got to work starting a new career in coaching.
In a social media post on Thursday, Skipper announced his retirement from the NFL and his plans to switch to coaching. A day later, he was already helping coach at the 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl in Texas.
Fanatics View spoke to him down in Texas about what all went into his retirement decision.
“This year, had some health things that were really taking a toll,” he said. “I wasn’t able to move like I have been. It was time. Family’s been supportive with everything but when you can’t even sit down on the couch, you’re just laying on the floor for three months every night, it takes it out of you.”
Skipper said now it’s about figuring out what to do next so he’s healthy enough to spend quality time with his family.
“Trying to make sure we’re doing the right things so that I can play ball with my kids when they’re older. I can do things to be a great dad, too — not just keep going until like some of these guys walking around that can’t move at all,” he said.
And onto the rest of your notes.
- “While hosts Kory Woods and Ben Raven aren’t calling it a home-run hire or one guaranteed to work, they have warmed to the pick with the extra time, landing in the B- range for those who need a grade.” The pair of MLive.com writers offer their thoughts on Drew Petzing becoming the Lions offensive coordinator on the latest episode of their Dungeon of Doom podcast.
- More input on the hire over on the Green Light with Chris Long Podcast:
- “That’s where you go wrong, when you try to insult the fans’ intelligence, that’s just a lose-lose.” We told you earlier this week how Amon-Ra St. Brown sounded off on fans’ (mostly poor) reaction to the OC hire. Now former Lions OL turned broadcaster T.J. Lang is sounding off on St. Brown’s response.
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