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The Detroit Lions thought they would get a massive boost to their offense when four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow came out of retirement to rejoin the team.
However, the Lions announced Saturday that Ragnow failed his physical and will not rejoin the team.
“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings. Unfortunately, during the routine 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 the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. (Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“The medical examination revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not rejoin the Lions.”
“Frank has always been a team first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”
Ragnow, 29, abruptly retired from the team in June. He wrote on social media that he had tried to convince himself he was ready to play, but said it was time to prioritize his health instead. He had 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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Frank Ragnow of the Detroit Lions looks on during 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’ve given this team everything I’ve got and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I just don’t,” Ragnow said in an Instagram post in June. “I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
“The last few months have been very trying as I have come to the realization that my football journey is coming to an end and I am officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow continued. “The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this 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 all of you.”
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After 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. The center made the Pro Bowl in consecutive seasons after signing as he remained one of the best centers in the sport despite battling injuries throughout his career.
Ragnow’s return would have been a big boost for the 7-5 Lions, who are in the thick of the race for a Wild Card spot after losing to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving.
