NFL news: Frank Ragnow unretires to join Lions for playoff push
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The Detroit Lions got a big offensive boost on Wednesday.
Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow has come out of retirement and is rejoining the team, according to multiple reports. The Lions apparently confirmed the reports by posting a photo of Ragnow escaping through the tunnel on social media.
Ragnow, 29, abruptly retired from the team in June. He said he tried to convince himself on social media that he was ready to play, but instead it was time to prioritize his health. He spent his entire seven-year career with the Lions after being drafted by the team in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
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Detroit Lions’ Frank Ragnow (77) watches the NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“I gave this team everything I had and thought I had so much more to give, but the truth is, I don’t,” Ragnow said in an Instagram post in June. “I need to listen to my body and this was one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
“The last few months have been very challenging as I realize my football journey is over and I have officially retired from the NFL,” Ragnow continued. “The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I cannot emphasize enough how grateful I am to this team and all the fans. It has been an absolute honor to fight for all of you.”
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Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) warms up before the game between the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (Junfu Han/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Following the 2021 season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes signed Ragnow to a four-year, $54 million contract, making him the league’s highest-paid center at the time.
The center, who has battled injuries throughout his career but remains one of the best centers in the sport, made the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons after signing the contract. The contract he signed will be valid through the 2026 season and will continue when he returns to Detroit.
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According to ESPN, if a player is on the club’s reserve-retired list, he must be reinstated before the team’s Week 13 game in order for him to play this season. Wednesday was the last day Ragnow would be eligible to return and play when the Lions played against the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving.
Ragnow’s return is a huge boost for the 7-4 Lions, who currently sit third in the NFC North. It’s unclear when Ragnow will make his debut during the 2025 season.
The Lions will face the Packers tomorrow at 13.00 on FOX.
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