Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro-Bowl center, is ending his retirement and making a comeback with the Detroit Lions. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ragnow has decided to return due to his passion for the game. Wednesday marked the deadline for him to come out of retirement if he wanted to play this season, as players on a club’s reserve-retired list must be reinstated before their team’s Week 13 game.
The Lions are set to host the Green Bay Packers on November 30, 2023, for their annual Thanksgiving Day game. Although Ragnow’s first opportunity to play could be against the Dallas Cowboys next Thursday, sources indicate that this timeline may be unlikely. Instead, a more probable return date is December 14, 2023, during a matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Contract and Career Highlights
The Lions retain Ragnow’s contractual rights for the next two seasons, meaning that upon his return this week, his contract will be reinstated. Ragnow had initially announced his retirement in June following a seven-year NFL career marked by significant challenges, including multiple injuries. In 2021, after playing through a fractured throat, the Lions’ general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell awarded him a four-year extension worth $54 million, making him the highest-paid center in the league at that time.
Last season, Ragnow demonstrated his resilience by participating in 16 games, missing only one due to a partially torn pectoral muscle. He continued to excel, earning a Pro Bowl selection for the third consecutive year.
Impact on the Team
In Ragnow’s absence, veteran lineman Graham Glasgow has stepped up to fill the center position. The Lions are currently enjoying a successful season with a record of 7-4, and Ragnow’s return is anticipated to bolster their offensive line further as they push for playoff contention.
As the Lions prepare for their Thanksgiving showdown, the excitement surrounding Ragnow’s return adds an extra layer of anticipation for both the team and its fans. His experience and skill are expected to play a crucial role as the Lions aim for continued success in the second half of the season.
