In less than a week, Detroit Lions supporters collected almost $20,000 for Frank Ragnow’s Rags Remembered foundation, thanks to the recognition of his tenacity and leadership by a former colleague.
In the aftermath of the Detroit Lions’ 31-23 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, center Frank Ragnow of the team would eventually report having sprained his knee and ankle. Late in the second quarter, Ragnow went down and seemed to be in a lot of discomfort while watching from the sidelines.
Ragnow persevered despite the injuries and played every offensive snap during the game, as he will do for the whole 2023 campaign.
Tyrell Crosby, one of his former teammates, was amazed by his play.
Wishing Frank well. One of the greatest leaders I’ve ever encountered,” Crosby first tweeted.
After Ragnow stayed in the game and did well, Crosby tweeted an hour later, saying, “Someone get Frank an Ironman t shirt.”
And then Crosby had an idea. As the Lions advanced toward triumph and secured only their second trip to the NFC Championship in the team’s history, Crosby encouraged supporters of the team to honor Ragnow’s fortitude by making a donation to his charity, The Rags Remembered Foundation.
Dear city of Detroit, you see how hard Frank is pushing through. Go show his foundation some love https://t.co/eZyTCHSmOS
— Tyrell Crosby (@Tyrellcrosby) January 21, 2024
And how well the Lions faithful responded. In response to a question regarding the gesture on Wednesday, Ragnow disclosed that the movement brought in over $20,000 for the foundation.
“Yesterday, I had a conversation with a foundation representative. Ragnow stated, “It was more than twenty grand.” Thus, props to Lions supporters. Even though it’s totally unneeded, it’s still quite special, and it just goes to show how amazing this community and these people are. The ride has been enjoyable.
Established in 2022, the Rags Remembered Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting kids coping with a death in their family. Ragnow, who experienced an untimely death of his father while attending college, has a distinct perspective on mourning, emphasizing the bond he and his father had with nature and outdoor pursuits. His outreach initiatives have included access to grief counseling professionals along with activities like zip line, camping, and, of course, fishing.
On Wednesday, Crosby tweeted, “So honored I could help bring recognition to a great cause headed by one of the greatest teammates I’ve had.” “I genuinely think Lions fans are unique, and I adore you all so much!”
The Lions’ nomination for Walter Payton Man of the Year this year is Ragnow. This week, it was also revealed that he is one of five contenders for the NFLPA Alan Page Community award, which is granted to one of the NFLPA Community MVP awards winners each week. A $100,000 payment to the winner’s foundation will be made.
“This year has been extraordinary. It’s been fantastic. There are so many wonderful people in our locker room, and to have that recognition, once more, is something I mentioned in relation to the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, Ragnow said. “When you walk through our locker room, you see all of my teammates succeeding. Then you take a closer look at this league, mentioning a few of these guys and the impact they’re making, it’s pretty cool. It’s special and I’m honored.
“And it’s huge for my foundation, Rags Remembered, I just think it’s—we’re just starting this thing and I just think it’s going to be a huge springboard into something even more special in the future to be able to help out a lot of families.”
If you’d like to make a donation to the Rags Remembered Foundation, you can do so here.
