Detroit Lions announce Frank Ragnow failed physical, won't rejoin team after intending to end retirement

by: Steve Samra 8 hours ago SamraSource

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow shocked the NFL world by announcing he’d be coming out of retirement and returning to the team ahead of their Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Green Bay Packers.

The vibes were immaculate, but it won’t be coming to fruition. On Saturday, the Lions revealed Ragnow unfortunately failed his physical, and he won’t be saddling up with Detroit for their potential playoff run in 2025.

Statement from the Detroit Lions pic.twitter.com/0qHJXzg35t

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 29, 2025

“Frank Ragnow reported to our facility yesterday and went through the normal process of meetings. Unfortunately, during the routine meeting with our medical team, Frank failed his physical,” the Lions announced via X, formerly Twitter.

“The medical exam revealed a Grade 3 hamstring strain that will keep him from participating for the remainder of the regular season. For that reason, Frank will not be rejoining the Lions. Frank has always been a team-first guy and is a true warrior. He will forever be a Lion.”

Alas, the hype was real, as Ragnow was with the Lions from 2018 to 2024. In June, the former Arkansas Razorbacks star originally announced his retirement because he wanted to “prioritize my health” and his family’s future.

“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow wrote in a post on social media. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not, and it’s time to prioritize my health and my families (sic) future.

“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. The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process, and I can’t emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”

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