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Jeff Backus | Tackle

Team: Detroit Lions
Age / DOB:  (35) / 9/21/1977
Ht / Wt:  6'5' / 305
College: Michigan
Contract: view contract details
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Recent News

Ex-Lions LT Jeff Backus says retiring was an "easy decision."
"I just think as the years wore on, I knew that I was getting to a point in my career where I’m extremely fortunate for playing the number of years that I did," Backus said Tuesday. "You start taking into account your age and the way your body feels, it was an easy decision for me." It's unclear how the Lions plan to replace Matthew Stafford's blindside protector, but the No. 5 pick is a possibility. 2012 first-rounder Riley Reiff would be a shaky option. Apr 9 - 9:26 PM
Source: Detroit Free Press

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Date:
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus is retiring from football.

The No. 18 pick of the 2001 draft, Backus missed one game in 12 seasons. He was never a Pro Bowler or All Pro along the way, but was a strong pass protector up until 2012, where his play began to slip. He had been bandied about as a candidate for release before today's announcement. The Lions are now left with holes at both tackle spots, and will have to thrust unproven 2012 first-round pick Riley Reiff into one of them. The owners of the No. 5 pick, the Lions should be linked to each of the draft's top tackles between now and April 25.
Source: Lions on Twitter
Mar 14 - 4:01 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

DetroitLions.com believes LT Jeff Backus and TE Tony Scheffler could still be candidates for release.

Reporter Tim Twentyman cautions it's "pure speculation," but the fact that a team-approved writer is willing to put it out there is notable. Backus is due an affordable $2.75 million between salary and bonuses. Cutting Scheffler would free up $2.45 million in cap space, and make more sense considering his dreadful play in 2012.
Related: Tony Scheffler
Source: detroitlions.com
Mar 9 - 8:47 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus is more likely to play in 2013 with C Dominic Raiola restructuring his contract and staying in Detroit.

Backus and Raiola have played together since the Lions selected both in the first two rounds of the 2001 draft. If Backus, 35, returns, that would seem to make it less likely free agent RT Gosder Cherilus will be re-signed. 2011 first-round pick Riley Reiff would be the favorite to start on the right side. GM Martin Mayhew has said he's "optimistic" Backus, who has one year left on his deal, will be back.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Feb 14 - 2:42 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

GM Martin Mayhew is "optimistic" LT Jeff Backus and free agent K Jason Hanson will be back with the Lions in 2013.

The Lions' left tackle since 2001, Backus is coming off a middling season, but is signed for an affordable $2.75 million. The Lions have a readymade replacement in 2012 first-round pick Riley Reiff, but would have troublingly little proven depth at tackle if Backus is released. Hanson was as solid as ever during his age-42 campaign, drilling 32-of-36 field-goal attempts.
Related: Jason Hanson
Source: Chris McCosky on Twitter
Feb 7 - 1:22 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus is unsure if he will be back in Detroit for a 13th NFL season.

"I don't know," Backus said. "I obviously I've got to see what the Lions want to do. I'll probably make a decision in the next few months and go from there." Detroit drafted Backus' successor in Riley Reiff, but the 35-year-old remains an asset as a rock-solid pass protector. He's under contract for a reasonable $2.25 million with a $500,000 roster bonus.
Related: Riley Reiff
Source: Detroit Free Press
Mon, Dec 31, 2012 03:45:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Sunday's game against the Colts.

Backus returned to practice this week but didn’t work with the first-team offense Friday, and is listed as questionable on the Lions' official injury report. First-round pick Riley Reiff appears on track to make his second consecutive start at left tackle.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Sat, Dec 1, 2012 08:20:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) returned to practice Thursday.

Backus was immediately reinserted with the starters. First-round pick Riley Reiff, who showed well in the Thanksgiving loss to the Texans, was sent back to the second unit.
Related: Riley Reiff
Source: Detroit Free Press
Thu, Nov 29, 2012 12:01:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) will not play in Thursday's game against the Texans.

Backus' remarkable streak of consecutive games started is over at 186. It's an opportunity for the Lions to see what they have in first-round rookie Riley Reiff, who will start on Matthew Stafford's blind side.
Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter
Thu, Nov 22, 2012 10:39:00 AM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) is officially doubtful for Thursday's game against the Texans.

According to NFL.com's Albert Breer, it's "almost a sure thing" Backus sits out, ending his streak of 186 consecutive starts. It's bad news for Matthew Stafford, though he has a capable fill-in in first-round pick Riley Reiff. Backus is week-to-week.
Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter
Wed, Nov 21, 2012 04:13:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions coach Jim Schwartz has deemed LT Jeff Backus "doubtful" to play on Thanksgiving due to his hamstring injury.

First-round pick Riley Reiff will replace Backus on Matthew Stafford's blindside. This will be Backus' first missed game of his 12-year career. Backus, along with concussed cornerback Drayton Florence, will now target a Week 13 return.
Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 05:18:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Coach Jim Schwartz admitted that LT Jeff Backus (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Texans.

Backus's remarkable streak of 186 straight starts is in jeopardy. He left Sunday's loss to the Packers in the second quarter with a hamstring injury and the Lions probably want to get an extended look at first-round pick Riley Reiff anyway.
Related: Riley Reiff
Source: Detroit Free Press
Mon, Nov 19, 2012 09:14:00 AM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus limped off the field with a right hamstring injury in Sunday's game versus the Packers.

Backus has been a rock in pass protection this season. First-round rookie Riley Reiff has come on as his replacement. Backus has started 186 straight games, the longest active streak by any offensive player.
Sun, Nov 18, 2012 02:15:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus (finger) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Backus was a late addition to the Week 10 injury report, but it's not a major concern. He's officially listed as "probable." Backus has never missed a game in his career with the Lions.
Source: Dave Birkett on Twitter
Sat, Nov 10, 2012 08:06:00 PM
Jeff Backus - T - Lions

Lions LT Jeff Backus (thumb) returned to a limited practice Thursday.

Backus doesn't want to give first-round rookie Riley Reiff an opening. He's back at practice with his right thumb in a cast despite what suffering what appeared to be a break on Saturday. Backus has started a remarkable 176 straight games for the Lions.
Source: Detroit Free Press
Thu, Aug 2, 2012 09:53:00 AM

Depth Charts

Skill Players
PosRoleName
QB1Matthew Stafford
2Shaun Hill
3Kellen Moore
4Alex Carder
RB1Reggie Bush
2Mikel Leshoure
3Joique Bell
4Theo Riddick
5Steven Miller
GLB1Mikel Leshoure
2Reggie Bush
3RB1Reggie Bush
2Joique Bell
FB1Shaun Chapas
WR11Calvin Johnson
2Ryan Broyles
3Mike Thomas
4Brian Robiskie
5Chastin West
WR21Nate Burleson
2Corey Fuller
3Kris Durham
4Lance Long
5Devin Thomas
WR31Ryan Broyles
TE1Brandon Pettigrew
2Tony Scheffler
3Michael Williams
4Dominique Curry
5Nathan Overbay
K1David Akers
2Havard Rugland