The Detroit Lions will be adding a franchise legend to their team just before they play their annual Thanksgiving Day game.
According to multiple reports, offensive lineman Frank Ragnow will be coming out of retirement and will play once again for the Lions.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ragnow is ‘in shape and ready to roll sooner, rather than later.’ It’s not clear if that means he will suit up on Thursday.
Ragnow suddenly announced his retirement back in June – choosing to walk away from the game at age 29.
He had been in the midst of a contract dispute with the Lions after the team lost their NFC Divisional round game against the Washington Commanders.
Back in June, Ragnow revealed in an Instagram post that he would be retiring from the game.
Former Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow is returning to the team after retiring this summer
Ragnow previously retired in June amidst a contract dispute with the team that drafted him
Now, Ragnow (alongside his wife Lucy) appears set for a drastic return to the NFL
‘These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,’ Ragnow said in the post.
‘I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my families future.
‘I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t. I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.
‘The Lions organization has been absolutely incredibly throughout this process and I can’t emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.’
A native of Minnesota, Ragnow was a four-star prospect out of high school and chose to attend the University of Arkansas over offers from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Ohio State, and Florida State.
Ragnow was a two-time first-team All-American and two-time first-team All-SEC in college before heading off to the 2018 NFL Draft.
Detroit selected Ragnow 20th overall in the 2018 draft and he developed into one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
Across his career, he was named to the All-Pro second-team three times and earned Pro-Bowl honors four times.
Ragnow was a three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro-Bowler after seven full seasons in Detroit
He signed a deal worth $54million over four years, with $42m guaranteed, back in 2021. However, the last of the guaranteed money has been paid out.
But with his reversal from retirement, it’s not clear what his new contract will be.
After leaving the team, Detroit turned to Tate Ratledge and Graham Glasgow – neither of whom truly impressed at the position.
Ragnow’s return comes as multiple pieces on the Lions’ offensive line – including Glasgow, Ratledge, Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Colby Sorsdal, Jamarco Jones, Miles Frazier, Christian Mahogany and Giovanni Manu are all in various states of injury.
Decker, Glasgow, Ratledge, and Sewell have all been listed as questionable the day before Detroit takes on the NFC North rival Green Bay Packers.