Oftentimes, offensive linemen have a reputation for being nasty, barbaric and violent on the field, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a human side.
Take Ragnow, for example: The Lions center has cemented his status as being one of the best and baddest, but he got very emotional Friday discussing the impact his mother and father had on him.
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Speaking at a press conference, Ragnow, who recently received a four-year, $54 million contract extension with Detroit, got teary-eyed when discussing how much his new pact means to him and his family:
Ragnow’s father, Jon, died from a heart attack almost five years ago, when Ragnow was still a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks football team.
Head coach Bret Bielema and his wife, Jen, accompanied Frank on a plane back home to Minnesota following Jon’s passing.
Now, heading into Mom Day on May 9, Ragnow can rest easy knowing he accomplished both of his goals: Making it — and sticking — in the NFL and being able to give back to his family.