Frank Ragnow is a two-time Pro Bowler and a one-time Second-team All-Pro, and the literal center of the one of the NFL's best offensive lines. But he's equally regarded as one of the good guys in the Detroit Lions' locker room, and on Tuesday morning he was announced as the team's Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for this year.
"I am incredibly grateful to be recognized for one of the most prestigious honors in our League, especially while being on a team filled with so many guys who impact the community in different ways and have supported the Rags Remembered Foundation. My family and I take a lot of pride in this Foundation, and to be able to help grieving families through the outdoors is something that we are very passionate about. This is a huge step in being able to help a lot more kids and families in the future."
The Walter Payton Man of Year award honors NFL players who excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact in their communities.
The most recent Lions' nominees are Jared Goff (2022), Jason Cabinda (2021) and Trey Flowers (2020).
Frank Ragnow nominated for 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year
Ragnow launched the Rags Remembered Foundation in 2022, in honor of his late father Jon, who passed away suddenly after a heart attack in 2016. The foundation uses outdoor activities, including "Fishing for Memories", skeet shooting events and a YMCA camping event back in his home state of Minnesota, to help children and families who have lost a loved one.
Learn more about Frank Ragnow's commitment to using outdoor activities to help grieving families through his Rags Remembered Foundation.#WPMOY@KNARFWONGAR @frankragnowfdn pic.twitter.com/IsxUBzqxbY
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 5, 2023
Each nominee will receive a donation of up to $55,000, with the award winner receiving an additional $250,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Each team gets one nominee, and the winner will be announced at the NFL Honors show before Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
You can learn more about the 2023 nominees for Walter Payton Man of the Year, and vote for Ragnow, at NFL.com/ManofTheYear. Learn more about Ragnow's foundation here.