Frank Ragnow
DETROIT LIONS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Center | University of Arkansas | 6 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
As the highest-paid center in the NFL, Frank Ragnow has been an essential part of the Detroit Lions success. In 2020, he was a Second-Team Associated Press All-Pro and Pro Bowler. He earned Pro Bowl honors again in 2022. This year, Ragnow is the anchor of the 2023 Detroit Lions offensive line's incredible success.
As NFL executive Scott Pioli said, "To me, the guy that is making the difference for the Detroit Lions and their offensive line is center Frank Ragnow... he's smart, he's disciplined, he's tough, when you watch him in games, he is the guy who is Iding the defense. And I really believe his intelligence and his ability to see things and point things out has really helped Jared Goff become a better player."
His impact as a football player on the field is immediate and crucial. His impact off-the-field is not nearly as measurable, but in so many ways even more considerable.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
Throughout 2023, Ragnow has expanded programming for his Rags Remembered organization, which seeks to bring families together through outdoor activities. The organization hosted its first Camp Huddle Up in June for grieving children and their families. Almost 30 campers, aged 4-17, coping with the loss of a parent, family member, or close loved one, spent the afternoon with Ragnow, his wife Lucy, some Lions teammates, and the Lions mascot, Roary. The kids fished, learned archery and how to build a fire, along with other outdoor-based activities. At the camp, the children engaged with professionals from Angela Hospice, discussing their losses while participating in new arts and crafts activities to honor and remember their departed loved ones. The campers also had the opportunity to share lunch and a Q&A with Ragnow and his teammates. On September
22nd, he hosted his second annual Fishin' for Memories outreach program for nine families, including 18 children, at Lake St. Clair.
Besides his foundation's efforts, Frank consistently gives back by attending his teammates' fundraising events and outreach programs as well as participating in Lions community relations programming.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Motivated by a desire to honor his late father and drawing from his own experiences with grief, Ragnow chose to establish a foundation dedicated to assisting children and families navigating the challenges of grief. Established in 2022, Rags Remembered seeks to cultivate a love for the outdoors in children and their families by highlighting the therapeutic and bonding qualities of nature. This mission is rooted in Ragnow's own cherished memories of connecting with his father through the outdoors. The foundation's central mission is to leverage Ragnow's platform, the tragic loss of his father Rags, and the love for nature instilled in Frank to generate meaningful and therapeutic experiences for grieving and financially disadvantaged youth across Michigan.
Last year, Ragnow hosted his first Fishin' for Memories outreach program on Lake St. Clair. Families were invited to join him and his wife Lucy (who serves as the Vice President of Rags Remembered) to learn the art of fishing on the beach for the afternoon. Each participant received a personal fishing pole, stocked bait and tackle box, a cooler with snacks/drinks, a signed Lions NFL mini helmet, and a foundation t-shirt to take home. The families also took a boat tour of Lake St. Clair to cap the day.
Additionally, in the inaugural year of Rags Remembered, Ragnow hosted three Huddle-at-Home game day watch parties for families who had lost a loved one. Lucy visited each of the family's homes on Frank's behalf, while Ragnow shared a personalized video for each participant.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
When Commissioner Goodell officially launched Frank's NFL career by announcing his selection as the 20th pick, it marked a moment of joy and triumph shared with Ragnow's family. However, this significant moment was not able to be shared with his most important person—his rock and father, Jon "Rags" Ragnow, who tragically suffered a heart attack and passed away unexpectedly in 2016 at the age of 54.
Ragnow candidly expresses the profound impact and emptiness that followed his father's passing—a void that felt like a significant gap in his life. Football was a shared passion between him and his father, forming a strong bond rooted in their love for the game and each other. The dream of pursuing an NFL career was one they were supposed to share and live together.
Despite facing such hardship, Ragnow exudes positivity. There are individuals who inherently embody goodness, leaving an indelible impact on everyone they encounter, regardless of creed, status, or background. Ragnow emits an intangible quality—whether described as warmth, kindness, a quiet presence, or humility— suggesting a life lived with its share of ups and downs, light and dark. Most who perceive him are struck by his sensible nature, endearing himself to Lions fans by expressing love for his mom's cooking and sharing his passion for the outdoors and lakes. For those fortunate enough to meet Ragnow, it comes as no surprise that he engages in meaningful work, giving back to his community.
