Jason Kelce calls out Lions for 'bulls**t' Frank Ragnow contract demand

The former Eagles center criticized Detroit's policy of demanding signing bonus paybacks from retired players.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:23pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of the ongoing tensions between NFL teams and players over contract policies and retirement benefits.Today in Detroit

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce criticized the Detroit Lions for demanding that retired center Frank Ragnow pay back a portion of his signing bonus after he was forced to retire due to a hamstring injury. Kelce called the team's policy 'bullsh--t', arguing that Ragnow's retirement was not a simple decision to stop playing but rather due to the physical toll of the game on his body.

Why it matters

The Lions have a controversial history of demanding signing bonus paybacks from retired star players like Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders, which has drawn criticism from current and former NFL players. This latest incident with Ragnow highlights the ongoing debate around how teams should treat players who are forced to retire due to injuries sustained during their careers.

The details

The Lions drafted Frank Ragnow with the 24th overall pick in 2018, and he played seven seasons for the team before retiring during the 2025 offseason. Ragnow attempted to return to the Lions late last season but was unable to do so after a hamstring injury was discovered during his physical. Despite Ragnow's retirement being due to injury, the Lions still demanded that he pay back a portion of his $3 million signing bonus, which the team has the right to do under their policy.

  • Ragnow was drafted by the Lions in 2018.
  • Ragnow played seven seasons for the Lions before retiring in 2025.
  • Ragnow attempted to return to the Lions late in the 2025 season but was unable to do so due to a hamstring injury.

The players

Jason Kelce

A former 13-year veteran center who played his entire NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles before retiring in early 2024.

Frank Ragnow

A center who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2018 and played seven seasons for the team before retiring in 2025 due to injury.

Rod Wood

The president of the Detroit Lions.

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What they’re saying

“So while I get that the team has a right to ask for money back, in the spirit of the agreement, I think it's bullsh--t Frank is being asked to return money.”

— Jason Kelce, Former NFL Center

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between NFL teams and players over contract policies, particularly around signing bonuses and retirement. While teams may have the legal right to demand paybacks, the practice has drawn criticism from players who feel it goes against the spirit of the agreement and unfairly penalizes those forced to retire due to injury.