Lions legend unretires for Super Bowl run

Jarrett Bailey

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Detroit Lions legend coming out of retirement to make push for Super Bowl image

TL;DR

  • Detroit Lions face offensive line injuries ahead of Week 13 game.
  • Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow is returning from retirement.
  • Ragnow's return is expected to significantly improve the Lions' offensive line.
  • The Lions are one game behind the Chicago Bears in NFC North standings.

The Detroit Lions are still one game behind the Chicago Bears in the NFC North standings. On Thanksgiving, the Lions will welcome their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers, for a matchup between two teams with seven wins each, vying for a playoff spot. 

The Lions have faced multiple injuries along their offensive line. Specifically, center Graham Glasgow, guard Tate Ratledge, and tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell were listed on the Lions' injury report prior to the Week 13 game. Consequently, an unexpected outcome has emerged this season: one of the Lions' most impactful players from the past ten years is returning from retirement to address their current needs.

Frank Ragnow, a center who has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times, is returning from retirement to play for The Lions during the latter part of the 2025 season. The Lions shared a picture of Ragnow on X, leading many to speculate if this indicated his return. Ian Rapoport has since confirmed these reports.

"The Lions offensive line just got a lot better, as one the game's greats will return," Rapoport posted on X. "Center Frank Ragnow is returning. Sounds like he's in shape and ready to roll sooner, rather than later."

Selected by The Lions in the 2018 NFL Draft's first round, Ragnow played college football at Arkansas. He was chosen for The Pro Bowl in 2020 and from 2022 to 2024. Additionally, he earned Second-Team All-Pro honors on three occasions. 

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Editorial Team