The Detroit Lions will be welcoming back center Frank Ragnow in the near future.
Ragnow decided to hang up his cleats back in June, which was a surprise to Lions fans but not the team, as head coach Dan Campbell revealed he knew beforehand there was a chance the four-time Pro Bowler would hang up his cleats.
But Ragnow pulled off another surprise on Wednesday, when it was announced he was coming out of retirement to rejoin the Lions for their playoff push.
So, why did Ragnow retire in the first place? And why did he decide to return now?
Here's what we know.
Why did Frank Ragnow retire?
In Ragnow's retirement announcement, he cited health issues as the reason for his decision. That wasn't surprising, as Ragnow had been playing through injuries for multiple years.
"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 said. "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."
Clearly Ragnow is feeling better these days, but that isn't the only reason he decided to return.
Why did Frank Ragnow come out of retirement?
The answer is very simple: Ragnow "loves the game," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported.
Love that answer.
However, when digging a bit deeper, we know Ragnow never stopped loving the game and his retirement was about his health.
No matter how much Ragnow loves the game, he wouldn't be coming back if he wasn't in better shape physically.
Clearly his time away from the game helped him heal.
When will Frank Ragnow make his 2025 debut?
Ragnow isn't playing this week and Schefter reports that he may not play next week, either. Instead, a Week 15 return seems most likely.
"Frank Ragnow’s first chance to play for the Lions will come next Thursday vs. The Cowboys, though it is considered unlikely for now, per source. A potential return-to-play date is Dec. 14 at the LA Rams," Schefter wrote.
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