Matt Skura Returns to Campus for Pro Day, Delivers Powerful Message for Duke and Copper Flag
In a scene brimming with nostalgia and excitement, former Duke University standout Matt Skura returned to his alma mater for Duke’s annual Pro Day, where NFL prospects showcase their skills to scouts and coaches from across the league. But Skura’s return wasn’t just about football; it was also an opportunity for him to share an inspiring message about his journey, the role of Duke University in shaping his success, and the ongoing importance of the Copper Flag initiative that holds a deep personal significance for him. Through his words, Skura reaffirmed his commitment to both the university and the causes that matter most to him, reminding us all that leadership, responsibility, and giving back are key components of the Duke experience.
A Journey from Duke to the NFL
Matt Skura’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. The New Jersey native came to Duke as an unheralded recruit, not one of the top-tier prospects that garners national attention. Yet, he left an indelible mark on the Blue Devils program. Skura’s journey at Duke began as a walk-on offensive lineman, a longshot by most accounts, but his grit and determination saw him earn a scholarship and, eventually, a spot in the NFL. He became a fixture on the offensive line, showcasing not only his technical prowess but his leadership and mental toughness.
Skura’s path to professional football was not an easy one, but it was a testament to what Duke University represents: a place where the development of character, leadership, and work ethic is just as valued as athletic ability. As a member of the Duke football team, Skura grew under the guidance of Duke’s coaching staff, his teammates, and the larger Duke community. During his years on the field, he helped anchor the Blue Devils’ offensive line, contributing to the program’s success and earning the respect of his coaches, peers, and opponents alike.
After graduating from Duke in 2016, Skura signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. Over the course of his NFL career, Skura became a key player on the Ravens’ offensive line, known for his consistency, adaptability, and leadership. Despite going undrafted, Skura’s success story is one that exemplifies the kind of resilience and dedication that Duke University encourages in all of its athletes, on and off the field.
Pro Day: A Celebration of Talent and Opportunity
Duke’s Pro Day is a highly anticipated event for both the football program and aspiring NFL players. It provides athletes the opportunity to showcase their physical skills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and agents, potentially shaping their futures in the league. For Skura, returning to Duke for Pro Day was a full-circle moment. It was a chance to reflect on how far he’s come, not only as an athlete but as a person.
The day was filled with intensity and optimism as Duke’s current football prospects took part in drills and workouts that would determine their future in professional football. But Skura’s presence on the field and in the locker rooms reminded everyone that the journey to success is about more than just physical ability. It’s about preparation, sacrifice, and most importantly, the lessons learned along the way.
As a player who had been through the Pro Day experience, Skura’s role at the event went beyond just being a spectator. He offered advice, encouragement, and guidance to the young athletes who are looking to follow in his footsteps. Skura’s message was clear: this moment was important, but the journey doesn’t end with Pro Day. It’s just the beginning of a much longer and often more difficult path in the professional ranks.
A Strong Message for Duke
Skura’s connection to Duke has always been deeply personal. His time at Duke shaped him into the person he is today, instilling in him values that extend far beyond football. As he spoke to current Duke athletes and others in attendance, Skura made it clear that his return to campus was about much more than just reminiscing about his playing days. He wanted to deliver a message to the university, one that he has carried with him throughout his career.
“Duke is where I grew as both a player and a person,” Skura said. “It taught me how to be resilient, how to persevere, and how to lead with integrity. The lessons I learned here didn’t just make me a better football player—they made me a better man.”
For Skura, Duke is more than just a stepping stone in his football career. It’s a place where he developed a sense of community, responsibility, and a deep commitment to giving back. He stressed the importance of using the platform that athletics provides to make a positive impact on the world. Skura shared with the group of athletes that it was Duke’s emphasis on academic rigor and character development that allowed him to find success, even when the odds were against him.
One of the key takeaways from Skura’s message was that the value of a Duke education extends well beyond the field or the classroom. “Duke challenges you to be the best version of yourself, no matter what career path you choose,” he said. This sense of ambition and commitment to excellence, which he learned during his time at Duke, has been a guiding principle throughout his life.
The Copper Flag Initiative: Giving Back to the Community
While Skura’s message focused heavily on the importance of personal development and perseverance, he also took the time to highlight the Copper Flag initiative—a cause that has become close to his heart over the years. The Copper Flag is a nonprofit organization that Skura has been passionate about supporting. It provides support for children and families affected by rare and serious health conditions, helping them gain access to necessary medical care, therapies, and resources. The initiative emphasizes the importance of advocacy, community, and leadership in the face of adversity.
Skura’s involvement with the Copper Flag is a reflection of his broader philosophy on giving back to the community. During his address, Skura spoke about how, as a professional athlete, he has used his platform to raise awareness for causes like Copper Flag, as well as others that impact his community. He emphasized that athletes have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others, and it is important to use that influence responsibly.
“When you’re in a position like I am—whether you’re playing in the NFL or representing your school—you have the ability to shine a light on causes that need attention,” Skura explained. “The Copper Flag is something that’s close to my heart, and it’s one of the ways I can make an impact outside of football.”
Skura’s advocacy for Copper Flag is just one example of how he has leveraged his success to create meaningful change in the world. His message to the current generation of Duke athletes was clear: success isn’t just about what you achieve for yourself—it’s about how you use your achievements to make the world a better place.
As the day came to a close, Skura’s return to Duke for Pro Day left a lasting impression on those who attended. His message was one of leadership, integrity, and the importance of giving back. For Skura, Duke was not just a place where he honed his athletic abilities, but also a community that helped shape his identity as a person. His return to campus was a reminder of the impact that a strong foundation—both academically and personally—can have on one’s career and life.
The athletes who participated in Pro Day may have been the ones showcasing their skills for the scouts, but Skura was the one offering the most valuable lesson: success is about more than just physical talent. It’s about hard work, resilience, and the values that drive you to make a difference. For Duke University, Skura’s message reinforced the notion that the university’s true strength lies not just in the excellence of its athletes, but in the integrity and leadership they carry with them, both on and off the field.
As Duke football moves forward, Skura’s story will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for future generations of players. His message is one that transcends the game of football—it’s about pursuing excellence, overcoming adversity, and making a positive impact in the world.
