Frank Ragnow Comes Out of Retirement to Boost Detroit Lions’ Playoff Hopes
Nov, 28 2025
When Frank Ragnow stepped off the field in June 2025, he swore it was over. No more helmets. No more film sessions. No more grinding through pain just to protect a quarterback who’d become like family. But on Wednesday, November 27, 2025, the Detroit Lions posted a photo of him sprinting out of the tunnel at Ford Field — and the NFL world stopped. Ragnow, 29, had officially come out of retirement, just hours before the league’s deadline to reinstate players from the reserve-retired list. The timing? Perfect. The stakes? Higher than ever.
Why Now? The Pressure Was Building
The Lions were 7-4, clinging to third place in the NFC North, but their offense was sputtering. Without Ragnow — the anchor of their line since 2018 — the protection around Jared Goff had collapsed. In the last four games, Goff was sacked 17 times. Run blocking? Forget it. The line ranked 28th in the league in adjusted line yards, according to Pride of Detroit. And it wasn’t just stats. Teammates said the energy was off. The rhythm was broken. The offensive line, once the team’s greatest strength, had become its biggest liability.
Turns out, Ragnow hadn’t been far away. He’d been watching every snap from his home in Arkansas, texting former linemates, calling Brad Holmes, the Lions’ GM, with unsolicited film breakdowns. "I didn’t leave because I hated it," Ragnow told The Detroit News in a quiet interview last week. "I left because I was afraid I’d never love it again. But watching them struggle... I missed the noise. The smell of the locker room. The way Goff looks at me before a snap like I’ve got his back. I do. I always have."
The Contract That Made Him a Legend
When Ragnow signed his four-year, $54 million deal in 2022, he became the highest-paid center in NFL history. It was a statement — not just about his skill, but about what the Lions believed he represented: durability, intelligence, leadership. Even with nagging ankle and shoulder injuries, he earned Pro Bowl nods in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. His contract, which runs through 2026, didn’t just pay him — it anchored the entire offensive unit. Now, it’s back in play. His salary and benefits resume immediately. No renegotiation. No drama. Just a man coming home.
"Brad didn’t just sign a center," said Paul Farrington, a former NFL scout now on YouTube. "He signed a guy who makes everyone around him better. Ragnow doesn’t just block. He reads defenses like a chess master. He calls out stunts before they happen. He’s the reason Goff had time to throw in 2023. That’s what’s missing now."
Playoff Implications: A Game Against His Past
The Lions’ next game? Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2025 — against the Green Bay Packers at 1 p.m. ET. Ragnow won’t play. He needs time to rejoin the roster, pass physicals, and relearn the playbook. But the real moment? December 11, 2025. The Lions host the Los Angeles Rams. And who’s at quarterback for L.A.? Matthew Stafford.
Stafford was Ragnow’s quarterback for five seasons before being traded to L.A. in 2021. They won NFC North titles together. They nearly made the Super Bowl in 2023. Now, they’re on opposite sides of a playoff race that could decide who hosts a wild-card game. Ragnow’s return isn’t just about blocking — it’s about redemption. About proving he still belongs. About silencing those who said he quit too soon.
The Bigger Picture: Can Detroit Finally Win It All?
The Detroit Lions haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1957. They haven’t even played in one since 1991. But this year? Something feels different. The defense is stout. The running game is clicking. And now, with Ragnow back, the offense has a heartbeat again. They face the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 — Jalen Hurts’ team, the NFC’s top seed. And they still have to beat the Packers twice. But with Ragnow in the middle? The math changes.
"This isn’t a Band-Aid," said Jeremy Reisman, Senior Editor at Pride of Detroit. "This is the missing piece. Ragnow’s presence alone forces defenses to adjust. He doesn’t just protect Goff — he creates space for the run game, gives the tight ends time to get open, and keeps the offense from being predictable. That’s playoff football. That’s championship football."
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
Ragnow’s first practice is expected Friday. He’ll be activated by Sunday, meaning he could debut in Week 14 against the Rams. The Lions have five games left: Rams, Eagles, Vikings, Bears, and a season finale against the Packers. If they win three of those, they’re in. If they win four? They might host a playoff game. And if Ragnow plays like he did in 2023 — a Pro Bowl-caliber season despite injuries — they might not just host. They might win it.
"I didn’t come back for stats," Ragnow said in his first post-return statement. "I came back for the roar. For the guys in the locker room. For the city that never stopped believing. We’re not done yet."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Frank Ragnow’s return impact the Lions’ Super Bowl chances?
Ragnow’s return instantly upgrades the Lions’ offensive line from bottom-10 to top-10 in pass protection, according to Pro Football Focus metrics. His ability to read blitzes and adjust blocking schemes gives Jared Goff more time to find open receivers — a key factor in high-stakes games. With the Lions facing playoff contenders like the Eagles and Rams, elite line play could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep run.
Why was the November 27 deadline so critical?
NFL rules require players on the reserve-retired list to be reinstated before their team’s 13th game to be eligible for the remainder of the season. The Lions’ Week 13 game was on November 28, so Ragnow had to be cleared by November 27. Missing that window would have forced him to wait until 2026 — effectively ending any chance of playoff impact this year.
Is Frank Ragnow still physically capable of playing at a Pro Bowl level?
Ragnow missed 12 games this season due to his retirement, but he maintained rigorous conditioning and worked privately with the Lions’ training staff. His 2024 Pro Bowl selection came despite playing through a torn labrum. His 2023 season — when he allowed just 2 sacks — proves his elite technique compensates for physical wear. If he regains game rhythm in two weeks, he can still be among the league’s top centers.
What role does Brad Holmes play in this comeback?
As GM, Holmes negotiated Ragnow’s $54 million contract and has maintained a close relationship with him since retirement. Holmes reportedly reached out weekly to check in, never pressuring him to return — but always leaving the door open. His patience and trust created the environment where Ragnow felt safe coming back. This isn’t just a roster move — it’s a testament to Holmes’ leadership culture.
How does Ragnow’s return affect the Lions’ salary cap?
Ragnow’s cap hit for 2025 was already accounted for — his $14.2 million salary was fully guaranteed and counted even during retirement. His reinstatement doesn’t create new cap pressure. In fact, the Lions saved money by not signing a replacement center. His return is a net positive: elite talent back on the field without additional financial cost.
Could this be the start of a larger trend in the NFL?
Ragnow’s return is rare, but not unprecedented. Players like Tom Brady and Brett Favre returned after brief retirements. What’s different is the timing — mid-season, with playoff stakes. If Ragnow succeeds, we may see more players delay formal retirement, keeping roster flexibility. Teams might also begin negotiating "soft retirement" clauses, allowing stars to step away temporarily without losing their place.