Former Razorback earns praise from teammates, coach

DETROIT — Frank Ragnow has always been tough – mentally and physically. He played through the loss of his father at Arkansas in 2017, plays through grueling injuries in Detroit, and still manages to be one of the best players in whatever league he's in at his position. 

The former Razorback played through the NFC Divisional round with a sprained knee and ankle. Still, he never came out. Instead, Ragnow played a vital role in boosting the Lions to a 31-23 victory over the Tampa Bay Bucaneers Sunday. Taylor Decker, offensive tackle for the Lions’, became visibly emotional as he was asked about Ragnow after the game.

“The dude is just a warrior, man," a tearful Decker said. "He’s been through it personally. He’s been through it with us as a team. The guy is a warrior and there was never a doubt that when he got banged up today that he was going to keep playing and keep fighting, because it seems like he is always fighting through pain.

“I feel like a little bit of him is paranoid to not be out there with us. We have been through so much together. If he can be out there, we know he is going to be out there. And not only that—he is the best center in football. He is huge for us.”

It’s not always been easy going in Detroit for Ragnow as the franchise struggled through low points prior to the hiring of Dan Campbell. The Lions’ coach is so beloved by his players, Ragnow out appreciation for the job he does.

“He’s the best leader I’ve ever been around by far,” Ragnow said immediately following the win over Tampa. “He authentically loves his guys. Same guy every single day. I can’t say enough about him. He’s the man!”

Ragnow’s praise of his coach was shrugged off as Campbell told media the Lions have the best center in the NFL.

Campbell’s vision for Detroit was to play with the big boys. That means to do something no other Lions team has done – play in a Super Bowl.

“We’re going to the NFC Championship Game with that group of guys, alright," Campbell said. "And, they love football; they play football. And that’s what they respect, and they respect their teammates and not anything else. And, you know, when you’re able to care more about the person next to you than your own self, you can do some pretty special things, and that’s where we’re at with this group.”

Interestingly enough, the culture set in Motor City is pieced together by a bunch of blue collar, hard-working guys. A reflection of its head coach and star players like Ragnow.