It was a life many would have just given up on, figuring the fight wasn't worth it. He went to three different elementary schools, three middle schools, and three high schools. His parents, who are now deceased, were unable to retain custody of him. He remembers living with his grandmother. But foster homes and groups homes were more the norm.

"I just remember being three years old and being taken for the first time," said Skipper. "Then I went back and lived with my grandmother until I was seven. They I got taken again. I was with one family from seven until 15. Then it was time to split ways. I went to South Carolina with my twin brother when I was 16. Then I went back up to Connecticut and Meriden at the end of July, early August and started paying football in 10th grade (at Maloney High School). I liked it and ended up moving to Norwich Free Academy later that year. I got the season done and then moved to Norwich the second semester."

It was while he was at Norwich Free Academy that he met two people who helped change his life, Tim and Kathy Duggan. The Duggans learned of his situation after watching him play high school football, learned he lived in a group home, and they wanted to help. It wasn't easy, but they worked with the Dept. of Children and Families and with Skipper feeling comfortable with them, they became more than a place to live, they became a family for him his senior year of high school and beyond.

"The last six months of high school I was living with them," said Skipper. "They helped me graduate high school. They have been with me on this journey ever since."

They were with him during his college years as well, from Monroe Junior College to the University of Toledo, where they were regulars at his games. They were among the first people Skipper called when he found out he made the team.

"They deserved it," said Skipper. "They were with me through the ups and downs. I remember going to the Dept. of Children and Families and they were telling me I couldn't go to college. Now look, I graduated high school, college and am in the NFL."

"It wasn't easy, but we all say God gives his toughest battles to his toughest soldiers. I just think of myself as one of God's toughest soldiers," said Skipper. "It could have been easy. I could have given up. That is not the case. I kept going. I know what I wanted. I know how I want my future to go. I think we are on the right track."