Veteran Detroit Lions Offensive Lineman Dan Skipper Calling It Quits

Dan Skipper, the 6-foot-9, 300-plus-pound veteran offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions, is calling it quits.

"24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall," he writes on social media. '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, 31, did not disclose what his coaching plans are.

He had been dealing with lower back pain.

Skipper was popular among fans. The team plans to focus offseason on rebuilding the offensive line, which had become a liability this season.