History of Taylor Decker in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2026

Taylor Decker is an American football offensive tackle currently playing in the NFL. He was a consensus All-American at Ohio State University before being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Decker is a key player on the Lions' offensive line, responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes.

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Full Timeline

August 23, 1993: Taylor Decker Born

On August 23, 1993, Taylor Decker was born. He later became a professional football offensive tackle.

Others born on this day/year

May 6, 2016: Signed with Detroit Lions

On May 6, 2016, Decker signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $10.96 million contract with the Lions, including a $6.17 million signing bonus. He started all 16 games that season and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and Lions Rookie of the Year.

2016: Drafted by Detroit Lions

In 2016, Taylor Decker was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the NFL draft as the 16th overall pick.

June 6, 2017: Shoulder Surgery

On June 6, 2017, it was revealed that Taylor Decker had undergone shoulder surgery and was ruled out for four to six months.

November 11, 2017: Activated from PUP List

On November 11, 2017, Taylor Decker was activated off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and started the final eight games of the season at left tackle.

December 2, 2018: First Career Touchdown

On December 2, 2018, Taylor Decker caught his first career touchdown pass from Matthew Stafford and threw the football into the stands in celebration.

December 3, 2018: Touchdown Ball Returned

On December 3, 2018, Taylor Decker was put in contact with the fan who caught his first career touchdown ball and received it back.

April 29, 2019: Fifth-Year Option Exercised

On April 29, 2019, the Lions exercised the fifth-year option on Taylor Decker's contract.

September 1, 2020: Contract Extension with Lions

On September 1, 2020, Taylor Decker signed a five-year, $70.35 million contract extension with the Lions. He also revealed he played the start of the 2020 season with appendicitis.

September 11, 2021: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 11, 2021, Taylor Decker was placed on injured reserve after undergoing finger surgery.

November 2, 2021: Activated from Injured Reserve

On November 2, 2021, Taylor Decker was activated from injured reserve.

January 2, 2022: Second Career Touchdown

On January 2, 2022, Taylor Decker scored his second career touchdown on a pass from Tim Boyle in a game against the Seattle Seahawks.

July 29, 2024: Contract Extension with Lions

On July 29, 2024, Taylor Decker and the Lions agreed to a three–year, $60 million contract extension.

March 6, 2026: Requested Release from Lions

On March 6, 2026, Taylor Decker requested the Lions release him, explaining in a statement on his Instagram account that he and the team could not find common ground regarding his return. The Lions released him on March 9.