Former Baltimore Ravens undrafted center Matt Skura officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday.
“Thank you to the City of Baltimore and the entire Ravens organization,” Skura wrote on Instagram. “Baltimore became home, where Emma and I raised our family, formed lifelong relationships and became a part of the community. I’m extremely fortunate to have started my career in place that values hard work, leadership, accountability, and integrity.”
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Skura was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent out of Duke in 2016. After spending his first season on Baltimore’s practice squad, Skura became a starter at right guard in 2017 following a season-ending ankle injury to Marshal Yanda. The following season in 2018, Skura replaced the departed Ryan Jensen as the starting center, holding the position until a knee injury ended his season in 2019 against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12.
After leaving the Ravens in 2021, Skura signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins but was released on August 30 before the start of the season. Skura went on to have short stints with the New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, and Dolphins a second time.
Skura is just one in a long list of examples of Baltimore identifying and developing offensive linemen, particularly under late offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris.
Following the passing of D’Alessandris in August, Skura was one of many former players to write about his impact.
“There are a few special people that go beyond the call of ‘coach’ and impact your life the way Joe D did for me.” Skura wrote on Instagram.
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