Detroit Lions fans received the unexpected news of their starting center Frank Ragnow's retirement on Monday. The 29-year-old decided to hang up his cleats after seven years in Detroit, much to the surprise of the fan base.
Since then, it has been nothing but praise and respect from his former teammates, coaching staff, and the fans for the four-time Pro Bowler. In fact, Lions fans found a very special way to thank Ragnow for all he has done for the team.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reported on Friday that fans have been flooding Ragnow's charity with $77 donations, referencing the jersey number Ragnow wore during his Lions tenure.
Former Lions OL Frank Ragnow Continues to Make Impact in Post-Retirement Life
Detroit Lions fans turn C Frank Ragnow retirement into charity moment: $77 donations come pouring in https://t.co/SLEsRThcGx
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) June 6, 2025
Ragnow founded the Rags Remembered Foundation in 2022 to honor his late father, with whom he shared a love for outdoor activities. The charity focuses specifically on grieving families and tries to foster a love for the outdoors in children and their families by sharing the power of the outdoors to heal and bond families together," according to their website.
To raise money for the foundation, Ragnow hosted his annual Skeet Shoot Showdown on Thursday, where they raised over $175,000. In addition to this amount, fans who have been donating $77 or $7.70 in Ragnow's honor have put together around $11,000.
Few things exemplify better how Ragnow has been able to become such a Lions fan favorite. Leading by example, Ragnow continues to make an impact on his community, proving that he will continue to be a beloved figure in Detroit well past his retirement.