The Detroit Lions have received a major boost to their offense as four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow has come out of retirement and rejoined the team, as reported by multiple media outlets. The Lions confirmed the news by posting a social media picture of Ragnow running out of the tunnel, signaling his return to the team for their playoff push. Ragnow’s return has been a significant development, particularly considering that the team was in the middle of the season and the Lions were vying for a playoff spot.
Ragnow, who is 29 years old, had initially retired from the NFL in June after being with the Lions for seven years, having been drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He made the decision to retire, stating that he tried to convince himself he was ready to play, but ultimately decided it was time to focus on his health. He took to social media to express his decision, stating that it was one of the hardest choices of his life. However, the news of his return has come just in time for the Lions’ upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers, as the team has been looking for any edge they could get in the playoff race.
The Lions, who are currently 7-4, are in third place in the NFC North, and with Ragnow’s return, they are hoping to make a strong push for the playoffs. Ragnow was signed in 2021 as the highest-paid center in the league, with a four-year, $54 million contract, and his return means that his contract remains in place. The team has had to wait until the final day to reinstate him, given the rules regarding players on the club’s reserve-retired list.
The impact of Ragnow’s return is expected to be immediate, and with the Lions playing the Packers on Thanksgiving, his presence on the field could provide a significant boost to their chances of making the playoffs. While it is unclear when he will make his debut in the 2025 season, his return is a major positive for the Lions, who have been looking for any advantage they can get in the final stretch of the season.