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Detroit Lions thought they would get a huge boost to their offense when four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow came out of retirement and returned to the team.
However, the Lions announced Saturday that Ragnow failed his physical and will not return to the team.
“Frank Ragnow came to our facility yesterday and went through the usual process of meetings. Unfortunately, during a scheduled meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical,” the Lions said in a statement.
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Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow warms up before the game between the Detroit Lions and Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, December 15, 2024. (Jongfu Han/USA Today Network via Images Images)
“A medical examination revealed a grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him out of the remainder of the regular season. For this reason, Frank will not return to the Lions.
“Frank has always been a team leader and a true warrior. He will always be a Leo.”
Ragnow, 29, abruptly left the team in June. He wrote on social media that he tried to convince himself he was ready to play, but said it was time to prioritize his health instead. He spent his entire seven-year career with the Lions after being selected by the team in the first round of the draft. 2018 NFL Draft.
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Frank Ragnow of the Detroit Lions watches an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on December 30, 2024. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“I gave this team everything I have and thought I had more to give, but the reality is I just don’t,” Ragnow said in a June Instagram post. “I have to listen to my body, and this was one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
“The last couple of months have been very difficult as I have come to the realization that my football journey is coming to an end and I am officially retiring. NFL” Ragnow continued. “The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this entire process and I can’t stress enough how grateful I am to this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor to fight for you all.”
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Following the 2021 season, Lions general manager Brad Holmes made Ragnow the league's highest-paid center at the time with a four-year, $54 million contract. After signing, the center made the Pro Bowl in back-to-back seasons as he remained one of the best centers in the sport despite battling injuries throughout his career.
Ragnow's return could be a big boost for the 7-5 Lions, who are currently fighting for a Wild Card spot after losing to Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day.
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