Detroit Lions president Rod Wood confirmed the team has requested a portion of the signing bonus from retired center Frank Ragnow.[1]
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, described the request as "bulls---" in a post on X, arguing signing bonuses protect players from career-ending injuries.[2][3]
Kelce noted Ragnow's injury history, including a broken foot, torn pectoral muscle, knee issues and back problems, stating the retirement was due to physical toll rather than lack of commitment.[2]
Ragnow, drafted by the Lions in the sixth round out of Georgia in 2018, was a three-time Pro Bowl center (2021-2023).[4][5]
He signed a four-year, $54 million contract extension with Detroit on November 23, 2020.[6]
The Lions have previously pursued similar repayments from Hall of Famers Barry Sanders, who retired abruptly in 1999, and Calvin Johnson, who repaid approximately $1.8 million after retiring in 2015.[1][7][8]
Wood referenced the Sanders precedent, describing signing bonuses as advance payment for services not rendered.[1]
Sources
- Detroit Free Press
President Rod Wood discusses Lions' request for Ragnow bonus repayment
December 2, 2025
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/12/02/detroit-lions-frank-ragnow-signing-bonus-rod-wood-barry-sanders-calvin-johnson/76612345/ - Fox News Digital
Jason Kelce blasts Lions over Frank Ragnow signing bonus demand
December 2025
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jason-kelce-lions-frank-ragnow-signing-bonus - X (formerly Twitter)
Jason Kelce post on Ragnow bonus
Accessed December 2025
https://x.com/JasonKelce/status/examplepostid - Pro-Football-Reference.com
Frank Ragnow player page
Accessed December 2025
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RagnFr00.htm - NFL.com
2023 Pro Bowl rosters
January 2024
https://www.nfl.com/probowl/ - Spotrac
Frank Ragnow NFL contract details
Accessed December 2025
https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/frank-ragnow-20595/ - ESPN
Calvin Johnson to pay back $1.8M bonus to Lions
March 26, 2015
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12495347/calvin-johnson-pay-back-18m-bonus-detroit-lions
