Detroit Lions Announce Frank Ragnow Fails Physical, Will Not Return to Team
DETROIT, Mich. — November 29, 2025 — The Detroit Lions announced Saturday that center Frank Ragnow will not rejoin the team after failing his physical exam. The four-time Pro Bowl player had come out of retirement in an effort to aid the Lions’ playoff push but was sidelined by a significant injury.
According to the team, Ragnow reported to the facility and completed the usual meetings before undergoing a routine medical evaluation. The exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain, an injury severe enough to prevent him from participating for the remainder of the regular season.
“Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion,” the Lions said in a statement. The injury means Ragnow will not be able to return to the field this season.
Ragnow, 29, had abruptly retired in June after spending his entire seven-year NFL career with the Lions, who drafted him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. At the time of his retirement, he cited the need to prioritize his health despite his desire to continue playing.
In a social media post from June, 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.”
He expressed gratitude toward the Lions organization and fans, calling it an honor to have played for the team. The recent attempt to return to football was cut short by the injury discovered during the physical, ending his hopes of contributing to the Lions’ current season.
The Lions had hoped Ragnow’s return would provide a boost to their offense as they pursue a playoff berth, but the medical findings have prevented that possibility. The team continues to focus on its roster as the regular season progresses.
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