Frank Ragnow’s unexpected attempt to lace up his cleats again has hit a wall—harder and faster than anyone expected.
Earlier this week, the longtime Detroit Lions standout stunned fans by announcing he wanted to reverse his retirement decision.
But just as the excitement started to build, his return fizzled out almost immediately.
The Comeback That Didn’t Make It Past the Starting Line
At 29, Ragnow seemed ready to give football another shot.
Reports suggested he hoped to slide right back into his old spot in Detroit’s offensive line.
But that hope lasted only two days. On Saturday, the Lions made it official: Ragnow didn’t pass the team’s physical, and without medical clearance, there was no roster spot waiting for him.
A Setback With Serious Weight
Detroit didn’t mince words in their announcement.
The team revealed that Ragnow is dealing with a Grade 3 hamstring strain—essentially the worst-case scenario for that type of injury.
A full tear means no chance of participating in the remainder of the regular season.
“He’s always been a warrior, always put the team first,” the Lions said, adding that Ragnow will “forever be a Lion.”
It was a gentle endnote to a comeback that never got the chance to begin.
Looking Back at a Difficult Goodbye
Ragnow originally chose to retire back in June, sharing the news with fans through a heartfelt Instagram post.
At the time, he was navigating a contract dispute that followed Detroit’s playoff exit to the Washington Commanders.
But the real determining factor, he admitted, was his body.
“I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not,” he wrote.
Prioritizing his health and his family ultimately outweighed the desire to keep grinding.
Calling it “one of the hardest decisions” of his life, Ragnow thanked the organization and fans for their support.
From Minnesota to the NFL Spotlight
Ragnow’s journey to football stardom began in Minnesota, where he emerged as a four-star recruit with an enviable list of college options.
He ultimately chose Arkansas, carving out a decorated college career as a two-time first-team All-American and two-time All-SEC standout.
That all set the stage for the 2018 NFL Draft, where the Lions selected him with the 20th overall pick.
The gamble paid off—Ragnow quickly became one of the league’s premier offensive linemen, picking up four Pro Bowl nods and three second-team All-Pro selections along the way.
Where Does He Go From Here?
For now, the door to his NFL return has closed just as quickly as it reopened.
With a serious hamstring tear and the season slipping away, Ragnow has no immediate path back onto the field.
Whether this setback ends his playing days for good—or simply delays another comeback attempt—remains entirely up to him.
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