The Detroit Lions whittled down their roster by the Tuesday cutdown deadline and one of the players to make the cut was swing tackle Dan Skipper, which was a first-time achievement for the veteran offensive lineman.
A former undrafted free agent, Skipper has been in the league since 2017 but had never been able to make an initial 53-man roster. He failed to do so with multiple teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Lions on a few occasions.
But that all changed on Tuesday. Upon learning that he had made the Lions' initial 53-man roster, Skipper had the best reaction ever.
"Eighth times a charm," Skipper tweeted.
Eighth times a charm https://t.co/Wnl2Cwqtrw
— Dan Skipper (@DanSkipper70) August 27, 2024
Not only is Skipper on the Lions' initial 53-man roster, he also figures to be the first tackle off the bench in 2024. The 29-year-old's story is the textbook definition of perseverance and you can't help but be happy for him.
Skipper gained national attention during the 2023 season, but for the wrong reason after the "reporting as eligible" debacle by an official against the Cowboys that cost the Lions the Week 17 game.
Skipper and the Lions will begin their 2024 campaign on Sunday, Sept. 8, against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field.
