Detroit Lions will give Frank Ragnow time and room to evaluate the future.
Frank Ragnow, the Detroit Lions’ center, has a long path to physical recovery, and GM Brad Holmes will accept any decision he makes about his future.
Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow raised some eyebrows last week during his final media session when discussing the upcoming summer.
“I need to find a way to get back to Frank and I don’t regret any of this at all, but it weighs on you,” Ragnow went on to say. “And I’m just going to take some time and really figure everything out to make sure that I’m feeling good, not only for me the football player but for me to be the best husband and best father and everything with that as well.”
Some saw this remark as an indication that the 27-year-old center is mulling retirement. Ragnow has had numerous injuries this year, including a toe injury that has lasted two years, as well as problems to his knee, back, and ankle. And, while I didn’t hear anyone pondering retirement when I saw the interview (which you can watch here around the 4:55 mark), I can understand why some people might be concerned.
During his postseason press conference, general manager Brad Holmes was asked about Ragnow’s future. He refused to speculate. Instead, he simply stated that Ragnow would be given as much time as he needed.
“I have so much respect for him and for everything that he goes through and fights through that I’m just respectful of his time and his thoughts,” Holmes went on to say. “And we’re not going to press him to do anything or make any decisions. However, the communication will be attentive. “It will be thorough and respectful.”
That doesn’t necessarily put an end to speculation about Ragnow’s retirement, but it does reflect the current culture in Detroit. They truly want the best for their player, even if it means replacing their All-Pro center.
“That’s what our team is, it’s our offensive line, us being able to protect the quarterback and run the football like we do,” Holmes said. That’s extremely important. And so, that’s definitely going to be one that – that’ll be an area that will not be overlooked. As good as it has been in the past, just those points that you’ve raised, it’s definitely going to be a point of emphasis still.”
