Detroit Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker has made his decision about his football future, confirming Tuesday that he will suit up for his 11th NFL campaign in 2026.
The 32-year-old veteran shared his choice on social media, posting an image of himself taking the field along with the message, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here I am; SEND ME!” #Year11″
Selected as the 16th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft from Ohio State, Decker has been a consistent presence for Detroit, starting every one of his 140 regular-season appearances plus five postseason games throughout his career with the Lions.
The left tackle earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024, though he spent much of the season dealing with a shoulder problem that significantly restricted his practice participation and led him to seriously contemplate retirement.
Following Detroit’s final game on January 4th, Decker expressed his concerns about continuing to play through such limitations. “If that’s what my future is going to be to continue to play — that’s not something I’m willing to do. Because I’m not willing to put my family through it,” Decker explained. “I’m not willing to be distant and not be a present father, because your kids are only little once, and, God willing, we have more. I want to be able to play with them. I want to be able to throw the ball with them. I mean, I can’t throw a football right now. No way.”
