Detroit Lions Jeff Backus Set To Retire
According to the Detroit Lions Twitter account, 12-year NFL and Detroit Lions veteran Jeff Backus is retiring. Backus played at the University of Michigan from 1997-2000 where he won a National Title with the Wolverines. Backus was drafted 18th overall in the 2001 NFL Draft by the Lions.
The left tackle started in 188 games for the Lions over twelve seasons. Over those twelve seasons, Backus missed two games, both being in the 2012 season.
The retirement of Backus has major implications on the Lions 5th overall pick in this year's draft. Most mock drafts had the Lions selecting a DE or a CB, but now a tackle is certainly in the mix.
Detroit Lions Director of Public Relations Matt Barnhart tweeted that Backus started in 99.5 pct of possible games (192-of-193) at LT.
Backus was born in Midland, MI and is 35.
