Retired offensive tackle Jeff Backus rejoins Lions as part-time offensive line coaching intern

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Jeff Backus has rejoined the Detroit Lions in a new capacity.

The team announced Tuesday the retired tackle will be a part-time coaching intern that will assist the offensive line this season.

Backus retired in March after missing only one game in his 12-year career.

Detroit selected him from Michigan in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft. He started his first 186 games — plus one playoff game — before a hamstring injury forced him to miss last year's Thanksgiving game against Houston.

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