Days after the Detroit Lions announced Frank Ragnow would be un-retiring to rejoin the team, the brakes have been pumped in the ‘Motor City.’
The Lions announced that Ragnow will not be rejoining the Lions after failing a physical. A Grade 3 hamstring strain will keep the former Detroit center on the sidelines for the remainder of the 2025 season.
‘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 medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions.’
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said in a Nov. 29 Zoom meeting that Ragnow’s future in 2026 has not been discussed.
On Nov. 26, the Lions activated Ragnow from the reserve/retired list, clearing the way to rejoin the Lions. He retired earlier in 2025 after spending seven seasons with the team.
Ragnow, 29, was widely considered to be one of the best centers in football during his playing days. A 2018 first-round pick, Ragnow was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time second-team All Pro.
The Lions were defeated by the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving, sending them to 7-5 and still battling for a potential wild-card spot as the season’s playoff race heats up.
Why did Frank Ragnow retire?
‘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,’ Ragnow wrote. ‘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.’