Lions' Frank Ragnow Selected to 2023 Pro Bowl

Only one Detroit Lion was named to the 2023 Pro Bowl.

It’s official: Frank Ragnow is a Pro Bowler for the second time.

The veteran center, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Lions since being drafted by the organization in 2018 (No. 20 overall), made his first trip to the Pro Bowl in 2020.

Since, the Arkansas product has grown into one of the best centers in the league.

This season, Ragnow has suited up for 13 of 14 games, while battling a nagging toe injury. And, in each of the games he’s played, he has failed to miss a single snap.

“He (Ragnow) embodies what the game is all about up front,” Detroit offensive guard Jonah Jackson told All Lions Wednesday. “You know, not only the physical attributes, which he has, but the mental gymnastics he has to go through to get me into place, Taylor (Decker), Penei (Sewell), Evan (Brown). It’s incredible.”

Through playing through a myriad of physical ailments during his time with the Lions, Ragnow has gained a reputation for being one of the toughest guys in the Detroit locker room.

Heck, he played the entirety of a contest in late 2020, against the Green Bay Packers, with a fractured throat.

To Jackson, Ragnow has become “a pillar” for the Lions organization.

“He’s a building block for what you want: tough, smart, dependable, first guy in the building, first guy doing his lifts, always doing extra,” Jackson expressed regarding the fifth-year pro.

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Former NFL executive Scott Pioli, a three-time Super Bowl champion from his time in the New England Patriots’ front office, also offered some high praise of Ragnow on Tuesday’s edition of “Good Morning Football” on the NFL Network.

"When you talk about offensive lines, a lot of people like to talk about the tackles," Pioli told Good Morning Football co-host Kyle Brandt. "And yeah, Taylor Decker’s playing well, and yeah, Penei Sewell’s playing well. But, to me, the guy that is making the difference for the Detroit Lions and their offensive line is center Frank Ragnow.

“Ragnow was picked in the first round back in 2018. He was one of my absolute favorite players in that draft. Because he’s smart, he is disciplined, he’s tough.”

Nine #Lions named as Pro Bowl Games alternates.

📰 https://t.co/hLNiWCpqwR pic.twitter.com/NlmsE9aCKV

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 22, 2022

Thus far in 2022, Ragnow has allowed a pressure on 2.2 percent of his pass-blocking snaps (ranks No. 6 out of 46 qualified centers). Additionally, the 6-foot-5, 311-pounder has earned an 82.1 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (fifth best).

Ragnow was Detroit’s lone Pro Bowl selection this season. However, a few of his teammates, including fellow offensive lineman Penei Sewell, could be in line to join him as alternatives at the 2023 Pro Bowl Games.

On Wednesday, Sewell, who has started at right tackle in all 14 of the Lions’ games this season, had nothing but high remarks for his offensive line counterpart.

“Oh, man, that man deserved it,” Sewell said of Ragnow making the Pro Bowl. “Everybody knows what he goes through each and every day, in the facility, on a day-to-day basis. So, to see him get that award, man, it’s just nothing but love. And again, very deserving. I was not surprised at all. It’s just a testament to him and what he’s gone through this year and all the hard work he’s put in continuously.”

The first edition of the Pro Bowl Games, featuring skills competitions and a flag football game, are set to be played on February 5, 2023, at Allegiant Stadium (the home of the Las Vegas Raiders).