NFL: Frank Ragnow comes out of retirement and returns to Detroit Lions for 2025 By Luís Henrique Costa
3 min read
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Center Frank Ragnow, 29 years old, decided to end his retirement announced in June and return to Detroit Lions. The information was confirmed this Wednesday (26) by sources close to the player to North American ESPN. The deadline for him to request reinstatement and be able to work in 2025 ended exactly today.
Ragnow communicated the decision to the franchise motivated by his love for the game, according to people close to him. Upon his return, his contract, which is still valid for this season and next, will be automatically reactivated. The player now travels to Detroit in the next few days.
Ragnow’s first opportunity to take the field will be on December 4th, against Dallas Cowboys, but sources consider it unlikely that he will be ready anytime soon. The most likely game for the return is against Los Angeles Rams, on December 14th.
Contract maintained for two seasons
Detroit Lions never released Ragnow’s contractual rights after which it facilitated the return process. The current deal, signed in 2021, was for four years and $54 million, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL at the time.
The 2025 salary is already guaranteed and will be paid normally upon reinstatement. The franchise will not need to open additional space in the salary cap because the amount was already reserved.
Career marked by injuries and overcoming
Ragnow played seven seasons in the league, all wearing the Lions shirt. Ele was selected in the first round of the 2018 Draft, coming from Universidade of Arkansas.
In 2021, he played with a fractured throat and still received a contract extension. Na last season, he played in 16 games despite partially tearing his pectoral muscle, with only the clash against Seattle Seahawks missing.
He was chosen for the Pro Bowl in the last four seasons he was active.
Offensive line gains immediate reinforcement
Without Ragnow, veteran Graham Glasgow took over the center position in 2025. The team has a record of 7 wins and 4 losses to date.
The return of the starter should bring more stability to the protection of the Jared Goff quarterback. Glasgow will be able to return to the guard position, where he previously played efficiently.
Calendar favors adaptation
The Lions play this Thursday (27) against the Green Bay Packers, for the Thanksgiving Day. Como Ragnow has not yet been officially reinstated, he will not be available for the divisional classic.
The period until the game against Rams gives almost three weeks for training and physical conditioning. Coach Dan Campbell has already expressed optimism about the player’s return.
History of Pro Bowl reinforces expectations
Ragnow has four consecutive Pro Bowl selections between 2020 and 2024. Ele is considered one of the best centers in the league when healthy.
- Selected at Draft 2018 (20th overall pick)
- Extension of US$54 million in 2021
- 4x Pro Bowl (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- 92 games played in regular career
- Never missed more than two games per season, except in the year of retirement
The Lions board celebrates the decision and hopes to count on the player at least until the end of his contract, in 2026.
