29-year-old center Frank Ragnow is coming off the sidelines and rejoining the Detroit Lions less than six months after announcing his retirement. The team made the move official this week as Detroit battles injury issues along its offensive line ahead of the playoff push.
Ragnow had surprised the league in June 2025 when he stepped away from the game, citing his body’s wear and tear after seven NFL seasons.
At the time, he acknowledged the toll of multiple injuries over the years even though he had maintained high performance, including four Pro Bowl selections and three Second-team All-Pro nods.
But with the Lions now enduring a rash of injuries up front, including troubles at center, Detroit turned to its former anchor.
Ragnow was reinstated from the reserve/retired list and transferred to the commissioner’s exempt list to clear eligibility for the remainder of the 2025 season.
League sources say the decision to return was driven by Ragnow’s enduring “love for the game” and belief he can still contribute.
According to insiders, although he was reinstated just before Detroit’s Week 13 Thanksgiving-day contest, an immediate return to the field is unlikely.
Expect him to take over snapping duties possibly as early as the team’s December 14 matchup, giving the Lions overdue stability down the middle.
Detractors point out Ragnow’s injury history: over his career he has battled turf toe, a fractured throat, a torn pectoral muscle, and more.
For a team whose offensive rhythm depends heavily on line cohesion and protection for quarterback Jared Goff, the gamble is significant.
Supporters argue the upside outweighs the risks. Ragnow’s presence immediately improves pass protection and run blocking schemes.
Given the Lions’ standing in a competitive NFC division, adding a proven veteran could be enough to swing momentum.
For Detroit fans, the move has been met with a mix of surprise and cautious optimism. Some view it as a bold move to salvage the season. Others worry the sudden unretirement could backfire if Ragnow is not at full strength.
The next few weeks will test whether Ragnow can indeed return to form and whether the Lions front office made the right call.
If all goes well, Detroit could end up getting far more than a mid-season roster refill; they could get their old backbone back.
