Lions center Frank Ragnow got his due -- and a scare -- Wednesday night when he was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team, behind starting center Jason Kelce of the Eagles. Ragnow has had a terrific season for Detroit while playing through a foot injury since Week 1. It's the second Pro Bowl nod of his career.
Lions GM Brad Holmes and the offensive coaching staff surprised Ragnow with the honor, telling him they had "bad news" to share.
"Look, man, Frank, you’re a damn good player," Holmes said. "I think everyone in this building knows that you’re the ultimate ironman. You’re all grit. You’re everything that we’re about as a football team. But also, everybody outside of the building is seeing that, too. And that’s why you’ve been elected to the Pro Bowl."
Ragnow, who for a moment appeared to think he was getting cut, lit up at the news. He hugged Holmes and the coaches, including Dan Campbell and offensive line coach Hank Fraley, then quickly departed to "go get treatment" on his foot. That's Frank Ragnow for you -- always taking care of business.
Ragnow was Detroit's only player selected to the Pro Bowl. The most obvious snub? Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was named a first alternate at wide receiver.
St. Brown lost out to Justin Jefferson of the Vikings, A.J. Brown of the Eagles, CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys and Terry McLaurin of the Commanders. He has more receptions and first downs than all of them but Jefferson and trails only Jefferson and Brown in touchdowns. He's fifth in the NFC in receiving yards (974), a tick behind McLaurin (1,015).
Penei Sewell was also named a first alternate at offensive tackle for the Lions. He's allowed just two sacks on 512 pass-blocking snaps while paving the way on the ground this season, but was beaten out by Trent Williams of the 49ers, Tristan Wirfs of the Buccaneers and Lane Johnson of the Eagles. All three have had equally impressive seasons.
Pro Bowlers are selected by the fans, players and coaches, with each group accounting for a third of the vote.
Other Lions named Pro Bowl alternates: Jared Goff (3rd, quarterback), Jonah Jackson (4th, guard), Jamaal Williams (4th, running back), Jason Cabinda (4th, fullback), Kalif Raymond (4th, punt returner), Taylor Decker (5th, offensive tackle) and Aidan Hutchinson (5th, defensive end).
Decker, your thoughts?
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