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A former Detroit Lions player is making his thoughts known about the team, and not in a good way, on social media.
The Detroit Lions are in the spotlight during the NFL offseason, and right now, it’s not in a good way. A former player has taken to social media to blast the organization for reportedly making a former player pay back a portion of his signing bonus after his retirement.
So, let’s start at the beginning of this story. In a Tuesday, March 31, report from Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, news emerged that the team had asked Frank Ragnow for some of his signing bonus back after his retirement. “When he retired last year, Frank Ragnow became the latest longtime Detroit Lion who had to repay part of his signing bonus,” Birkett stated.
If that news doesn’t settle with you, then consider yourself in good company, because a former Detroit Lions player agrees. In fact, this player took to social media on Tuesday shortly after the report surfaced to make his thoughts clear on it.
Former Detroit Lions Player Calls Out the Franchise for Making Retired Player Pay
Former Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone has a beef with the team, and he’s letting it be known. On social media on Tuesday, after the Ragnow report broke, Anzalone stated on X, “Played through fractured throat, one week post meniscus clean up w/ stitches barely out, inoperable/unrepairable toe, etc. Hey let me get that prorated signing bonus back,” with three laughing face emojis. “Do business as business is being done.”
Anzalone’s comments are another indicator of just how band things got when he parted ways with the Detroit Lions. Anzalone had a contract dispute with the franchise last summer and wasn’t happy about being left out of a key social media post. Then, he left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it appears he’s still keeping up with Lions news.
In a Tuesday, March 31 feature for Detroit Jock City, Chris Schad comments on Anzalone’s thoughts about his teammate having to pay part of that bonus back.
“While Anzalone was not there for the entirety of their careers, seeing his former teammates disrespected by the Lions organization has to sting,” Schad notes in the piece. “After battling side-by-side with them, Anzalone is dealing with his own issues, which are all too common for teams that release players in the NFL.”
He continues, “In the end, it might just take time for these wounds to heal. Neither side looks good in this situation, though, seemingly proving that it was the right decision for Anzalone and the Lions to part ways.”
Detroit Lions Have Operated ‘Cheaply’
In a Tuesday feature for SideLion Report, Candace Pedraza looks at both sides, stating that the Lions “seeking some bonus money back from Ragnow is not only commonplace for them, but lines up perfectly with how they’ve operated since the 2025 season ended: cheaply.”
Pedraza adds that “this continues to be a bad look for Detroit as they seek to get back to the postseason with a competitive roster on the margins. Assuming they look to add some more star power in 2027 and beyond, it might be more difficult to attract talent given these numerous disgruntled former employees.”
So, yes, this kind of talk can sour a franchise and make quality players leery of coming to Detroit. It’s basically the last thing this franchise needs as they try to get back on their feet in the 2026-27 season.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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