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Frank Ragnow freaks out after Detroit Lions sign his idol Adrian Peterson

For Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, a Vikings fan growing up in Minnesota, the opportunity to block for new teammate, Adrian Peterson, is literally a dream come true.

Ragnow said he spent the past day asking teammates how he should introduce himself to Peterson, who played his first 10 seasons with the Vikings and officially signed a one-year deal with the Lions on Monday.

"I was freaking out so much," Ragnow said. "What year was he drafted, what was it like (2007) or something like that? I think I got a jersey right when he entered the league and I remember, A.D., All Day baby. I remember him running for 296 (yards) vs. the Chargers. I mean, wild. Just wild. I can’t even describe it. My family’s freaking out, all my friends back home are freaking out. It’s pretty cool."

[ Lions told Peterson he could start Week 1; Patricia noncommittal about role ]

Quarterback Matthew Stafford takes the snap from center Frank Ragnow and runs the offense during Detroit Lions training camp Thursday, August 20, 2020 in Allen Park.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford takes the snap from center Frank Ragnow and runs the offense during Detroit Lions training camp Thursday, August 20, 2020 in Allen Park.

Ragnow said he kept his emotions in check when he met Peterson, opting for the simple introduction: "Hey, I’m Frank."

"(Inside I was like,) 'I’m Frank and I’m from Minnesota and oh my God, oh my God,' but I tried to keep it cool," he said.

[ What Lions' signing of Peterson means for the team's other running backs ]

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Frank Ragnow freaks out after Detroit Lions sign idol Adrian Peterson