The Detroit Lions’ star offensive tackle, Taylor Decker, has finally addressed the question that’s been lurking around Detroit all season.
The longtime Lions left tackle, who’s been a foundational piece of the franchise for nearly a decade, made it clear he isn’t rushing into any decisions about his NFL future. And instead of shutting down all the possibilities of his retirement, Decker openly acknowledged the crossroads he’s facing.
Speaking to NFL reporter Dave Birkett of The Detroit Times, Decker explained where his head is as he weighs what comes next. “Like I said, ideally, I would play. I would continue to play, but I just need to sit and evaluate, and this is not a decision that I want to make now or kind of consider right now, cause it would be an emotional decision.” The 32-year-old made it clear that stepping away isn’t his preferred outcome. But the former Ohio State Buckeyes tackle also isn’t pretending the thought hasn’t surfaced.
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Decker has battled through injuries, played heavy snaps, and been one of the longest-tenured leaders in the locker room, all of which naturally push players into deeper evaluation as the years add up.
Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions takes the field prior to an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on September 14, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
The Lions, who have rebuilt their identity around toughness and continuity, would feel his absence immediately if he ever chose to step away.
For now, nothing is guaranteed except the reality of ‘Decker will take time’. Detroit will simply have to wait until the season ends for Decker to make a clear-headed decision. The franchise can only hope that his ideal scenario of continuing to play ultimately becomes the path he chooses.
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