Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce
Getty
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce
The Detroit Lions had some explaining to do on Tuesday after it was revealed the team made former center Frank Ragnow pay back part of his 2021 signing bonus after he retired.
The franchise also did the same with legendary players Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnon after they retired as well.
Ragnow, a three-time All-Pro, stepped away from the NFL last season after dealing with several injuries over the final few years of his career.
Jason Kelce Blasts Lions Over Ragnow Incident
Former Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow
GettyFormer Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow
If there’s anyone who can relate to what Ragnow endured during his NFL career, it’s former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
The 38-year-old retired from the NFL following the 2023 season after a 13-year NFL career that included 7 Pro Bowls, 6 All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl win. Kelce took to social media to make it known he wasn’t OK with how Ragnow was treated by the Lions considering the punishment he put his body through for the team.
“While I get that the team has a right to ask for money back, in the spirit of the agreement, I think it’s [expletive] Frank is being asked to return money,” Kelce tweeted. “This was clearly a player that the game had physically taken its toll on, and his body was clearly no longer holding up to the rigors of the NFL.
“It wasn’t just some player deciding he didn’t want to play anymore, it wasn’t that simple, and these signing bonuses are there to protect players from the inevitable injuries they incur on the field.
“… It feels like it’s obvious that Frank retired because he was physically fighting through injuries and pain, and it got to a point that he no longer could play the game in an enjoyable, effective, or healthy way.”
Former Lions Star Comes to Ragnow’s Defense
Former Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow
GettyFormer Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow
While most fans would look at Ragnow’s situation and think it was nothing more than the standard player retirement at the end of a long career.
But Ragnow is only 29, and he’s on record stating he wasn’t sure his body could continue taking the physical beating it had for years, which is exactly what former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone stated on X.
“Played through fractured throat, one week post meniscus clean up w/ stitches barely out, inoperable/unrepairable toe, etc. ‘Hey, let me get that prorated signing bonus back 😂😂.’ Do business as business is being done,” Anzalone wrote on X.
Anzalone’s position is one that Kelce also shared, which is why he was frustrated the Lions made Ragnow pay back part of his bonus.
“The whole purpose of a signing bonus is to be a guarantee up front that insures a salary irregardless of performance metrics, or most importantly injuries that could compromise your career in the future.
“However, Frank was known for being hurt and playing through injuries most players wouldn’t play through constantly. Broken foot, a torn pec, multiple knee injuries, back issues. There was always something, and I’m sure he was continuously dealing with multiple ailments to try and continue playing the game.
“His body clearly had deteriorated to a degree that made football no longer a viable option, physically, and probably mentally. In my opinion, the signing bonus is supposed to protect players from future physical ailments limiting their availability on the field, that’s one of the reasons you want more guaranteed money upfront.”