When it was announced that Frank Ragnow, one of the best centers in the league, would be retiring from the NFL last year, many expected the Detroit Lions to honor him with a place in their Ring of Honor or Pride of the Lions. After all, this was the path the franchise had taken with legends like Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson. However, much to the surprise and disappointment of fans and players alike, the Lions have not done anything to recognize Ragnow’s contributions to the team.
This decision has not gone unnoticed, especially by Ragnow’s former teammate and fellow center, Jason Kelce. In a recent interview, Kelce expressed his frustration and disappointment with the Lions for not giving Ragnow the recognition he deserves. He went as far as calling out the franchise for forcing Ragnow to return his retirement bonus money.
For those who may not know, when a player retires from the NFL, they are entitled to a retirement bonus based on their contract. However, in Ragnow’s case, the Lions have reportedly asked him to return a portion of his bonus, as he did not fulfill the entirety of his contract. This move by the Lions has left many, including Kelce, angry and puzzled.
Kelce, who is known for his passionate and outspoken nature, did not hold back in his criticism of the Lions. He stated that it is disrespectful and unfair to ask Ragnow to return the money he rightfully earned while playing for the team. He also pointed out that this is not the first time the Lions have made such a move, citing the example of Calvin Johnson, who was also asked to return a portion of his bonus when he retired.
Kelce’s outburst has shed light on the issue and has sparked a debate among fans and analysts. Many believe that Ragnow deserves to be honored by the Lions for his contributions to the team. During his three seasons with the Lions, Ragnow established himself as one of the best centers in the league, earning himself a spot in the Pro Bowl in 2020. He was also a key player in the team’s offensive line, helping them achieve some impressive results.
The Lions have not responded to Kelce’s comments, but their actions speak louder than words. By not honoring Ragnow in any way, they have sent a message that his contributions to the team are not valued. This decision not only disrespects Ragnow but also reflects poorly on the franchise as a whole.
Moreover, the Lions’ treatment of Ragnow raises questions about how they value their players and their loyalty. Ragnow was a first-round draft pick for the team in 2018, and he could have chosen to play for any other team, but he chose to stay with the Lions until his retirement. However, the team’s lack of recognition for his time and efforts spent with them could leave a sour taste in the mouths of other players, especially those who may be considering joining the Lions.
In contrast, we have seen other teams, like the New York Giants, honor their retired players in various ways. The Giants have a Ring of Honor that includes names like Michael Strahan and Eli Manning, and they have retired jersey numbers for their legends. These gestures not only show appreciation for the players but also create a positive image for the franchise.
It is not too late for the Lions to make things right and honor Ragnow in a meaningful way. They can still add his name to their Ring of Honor or retire his jersey number to show him the respect he deserves. It is not just about Ragnow, but also about the message the Lions are sending to their current and future players.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Lions have made a mistake by not honoring Frank Ragnow for his contributions to the team. He deserves to be recognized and celebrated, and it is not too late for the franchise to do the right thing. As for Kelce, his passionate outburst has shed light on this issue and has shown his support for his former teammate. It is now up to the Lions to make amends and show that they value and appreciate their players.