Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dan Skipper got his number called from the 9-yard line on Sunday. He made sure to report that he was eligible.
Skipper gained a level of exposure in Detroit that few linemen get when he was in the middle of a controversy last season. On a trick 2-point conversion attempt against the Dallas Cowboys, Skipper reported that he was eligible, but the officials did not notice that Taylor Decker was also eligible. The Lions have often used Skipper as an extra lineman since then, and when officials announce themselves as eligible, the Lions crowd will usually cheer sarcastically.
There was nothing sarcastic about the cheering on Sunday. The Lions ran more trick plays than anyone in the league, and they went deep in their playbook against the Buffalo Bills. The play was Skipper breaking free and catching a pass from the 9-yard line. Of course, no one covered the 330-pound lineman, and he got into the end zone for the score.
It wasn’t Skipper’s first career catch. Last season he gained four meters. But it was his first career touchdown. That’s a cool moment for a seven-year NFL veteran whose only fame was being part of a draft debacle last season.
Skipper probably didn’t expect to catch touchdowns on Sunday. The Lions called his number when they were down 21-7, proving there isn’t a situation where they won’t come up with a trick play. And with that, Skipper’s popularity in Michigan grows even more.