DETROIT — Thanksgiving morning in the Motor City might be the chilliest day of the fall season, but the hearts of Detroit Lions fans are warm and thankful over the return of Frank Ragnow.
The Lions announced Wednesday that the four-time Pro Bowl center [is returning to the franchise just five months](https://www.mlive.com/lions/2025/11/all-pro-frank-ragnow-ends-retirement-to-rejoin-detroit-lions-for-playoff-push.html) after announcing his retirement in June. It was a stunning development given that Lions coach Dan Campbell stated the “ship sailed” on Ragnow returning to the team this season.
Outside Ford Field ahead of Thursday’s game between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers, fans were already wearing Ragnow jerseys in support and excitement that one of the franchise’s greats has rejoined the team when they needed him the most.
“It was like Christmas — better than Friendsgiving,” Nathan Anderson, a native of Gladstone, Michigan, told MLive. “I wish he could suit up today.”
Peter Brees of Madison Heights had a similar reaction, wishing the Lions and their longtime center had found a way to make this reunion happen a bit earlier.
“Well, of course, I’m excited to have him back. Wish we had him a few weeks ago, but I am hoping that this taste of him coming back for the remaining games brings him back next year too,” Brees said. “I mean, he has played seven years in the league pretty successfully. But let’s see if we can get him to nine or 10 years. I think that would be ultimately great.”
Brees, a Lions season-ticket holder for the past 28 years, added that Ragnow’s presence immediately brings something the team could use as they push toward the postseason.
“There’s going to be some leadership there,” Brees said. “Maybe he will be on the sidelines today. I certainly hope he is, but if he’s with his family today to gear up for the upcoming games, that’s great too. But I think a lift for the offense is desperately needed at this point.”
Ragnow’s return came [just before the league’s deadline](https://www.mlive.com/lions/2025/11/when-will-frank-ragnow-play-again-for-the-detroit-lions.html). A player on the reserve-retired list must be reinstated before his team’s Week 13 game — which, for the Lions, is Thursday’s Thanksgiving matchup with the Packers.
“I think he missed it, and they (Lions) probably offered him something he couldn’t refuse,” Scott Dzeidzic of Flat Rock, Michigan, said.
Eddie Sharpe, a 23-year-old from Monroe, Michigan, was also outside Ford Field wearing a Ragnow jersey. He knew Ragnow couldn’t play against Green Bay, but when asked whether he preferred Ragnow’s return next Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys or in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams, he didn’t hesitate.
“Bring him back next week,” Sharpe said.
If Sharpe — and Ragnow — get their wish, that timeline isn’t far off. Reports indicate Ragnow is in great shape and pushing to make his return quickly. Time will tell when he makes his season debut, but one thing is sure: his return is being welcomed with open arms by Lions fans.
“I think this stadium’s going to go bananas,” Brees said about Ragnow’s first pregame introduction in his return. “It’s going to be great. Positive. Everyone loved Frankie. He always played so hard, and the guy — his body just needed a break. He needed a break, and I get it.”