Which Retired Lion Would You Drag Back to Allen Park Right Now?
Aaron Donald is apparently thinking about coming out of retirement for the Rams. His wife might have other plans, but that’s between them and their marriage counselor. The point is, it got us thinking about our own recently departed heroes and whether any of them could be convinced to lace up the cleats one more time.
So here’s the question that’s been bouncing around Ford Field’s empty corridors: which Lions legend do you wish would come out of retirement?
Let’s set some ground rules here. We’re talking about these guys in their prime, not whatever version of themselves exists today. You get 1999 Barry Sanders, not a 57-year-old man whose knees probably sound like bubble wrap when he gets out of bed.
The Obvious Answer That Makes Your Heart Hurt
Frank Ragnow is the name everyone’s thinking. The former All-Pro center who had Lions fans checking their phones every five minutes around Thanksgiving last year, hoping he’d save us from another drowning season. He flirted with an unretirement, we all got our hopes up, and then reality set in.
The Lions have moved on by signing Cade Mays to a two-year deal. Smart move by Brad Holmes, even if it stings a little.
But Let’s Think Bigger Picture
Instead of dwelling on what could have been, let’s focus on what this roster actually needs. Right now, the secondary is dealing with injury uncertainty and inconsistent play. The Lions could use a stabilizing force back there, someone who’s seen it all and done it all.
Darius Slay at his peak would be incredible. But given the questions around Kerby Joseph’s availability and the likelihood that Brian Branch might miss time, give me Glover Quin.
Quin wasn’t just a ballhawk who led the league in interceptions in 2014. He was a leader by example, the kind of veteran presence that could help a secondary still figuring things out. While Joseph works through his knee issues, Quin could provide those game-changing plays that shift momentum.
You have to wonder if he would’ve kept playing longer if this franchise hadn’t been such a disaster under Matt Patricia. That’s a timeline we’ll never get to explore.
The Deep Cuts Worth Considering
Chris Spielman would bring that linebacker intensity this defense could use. Robert Porcher would give the pass rush another dimension. Alex Karras would just be fun to watch terrorize quarterbacks in today’s NFL.
But honestly, any of these legends in Honolulu Blue would be a sight for sore eyes.
So who’s your pick to come back and suit up at Ford Field? Are you going with the safe choice or the guy who’d make the biggest splash? Drop your answer below before we all start getting too sentimental about the good old days.
