Former Arkansas All-American Frank Ragnow won’t play for Detroit Lions after previously announced return
By Jacob Moss
Published:
The Detroit Lions made headlines earlier in the week when they announced that recently retired All-Pro center and former Arkansas Razorbacks standout Frank Ragnow had decided to come out of retirement and rejoin the team.
Ragnow, who spent 7 seasons as the anchor of the Lions’ offensive line, retired suddenly last offseason to the surprise of many, as he appeared to be firmly in the middle of his prime coming off 3 straight Pro Bowl selections.
It looked like Ragnow was ready to make his return to the pro ranks this week, but that unfortunately doesn’t appear to be in the cards for either him or the Lions, as the team put out a statement on X that he had failed his physical due to a grade 3 hamstring strain, ruling out any potential return this season.
Ragnow was a member of the Razorbacks from 2014-2017, earning first-team All-SEC and All-American honors during his junior and senior seasons with the Hogs. He was then drafted by Detroit with the 20th pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, becoming an immediate impact player for the Lions as a rookie.
He evolved into one of the best offensive linemen in the league at the turn of the 2020s, earning multiple second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections before his abrupt retirement.
