The Detroit Lions are about to get a big piece of their offense back. Star center Frank Ragnow retired in June, which shocked a lot of fans. The team wasn’t totally surprised though, because Dan Campbell already knew it was a possibility. But on Wednesday Ragnow shocked everyone again by announcing he is returning to help the Lions during their playoff run.
So why did Frank Ragnow leave in the first place, and what made him change his mind?
Ragnow retired because his body was worn down. In his announcement he said he had been trying to convince himself he felt okay, but he really didn’t. He had played through injuries for years and finally reached a point where he had to think about his long term health and his family. He explained that he had given the team everything he had, but his body was telling him it was time to stop. It was one of the hardest choices he had ever made.
Now he is coming back because he truly loves football. That is the simple reason given, and it rings true. But love alone is not enough. He would not return unless he felt physically better. His time away clearly gave his body a chance to heal and he must feel strong enough to play again.
As for when he will be on the field, it will not be right away. He is out this week and probably next week too. The most likely return date is Week fifteen. That would be the Lions’ game on December fourteenth against the Rams.
