Detroit Lions
Dominic Raiola - #51 - C
| Status | Active |
| Height/Weight | 6' 1"/ 295 lbs. |
| Birthday | 12/30/1978 |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, HI |
| College | Nebraska |
| Years played | 13 |
| Drafted | 2001, 2nd round, 19th pick by Lions |
NFC North Spin cycle: Are Packers back now?
The Packers' convincing win over the previously undefeated Texans was the NFC North's highlight attraction in Week Six action.
Ravens, Lions in trouble despite big wins
The Ravens and Lions earned big wins but left some big questions unanswered; two key Cowboys slip up; and are the Patriots still clutch?
Lions come from behind to stun Eagles
Jason Hanson kicked a 45-yard field goal in overtime and the Lions overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Eagles 26-23 on Sunday.
Hanson knows opposition itching to face Lions' special teams
Lions PK Jason Hanson knows teams will be eager to face Detroit's special teams after some recent breakdowns.
Suh will not be ticketed for traffic incident
Lions DT Ndamukong Suh will not receive a ticket for allegedly sideswiping another vehicle early Thursday morning.
Alex Karras: A football player and actor, too
Alex Karras is best remembered for his acting but as a player he was one of the most dominant interior linemen of the 1950s and ’60s.
Alex Karras, former NFL lineman, actor, dies at 77
Alex Karras, the rugged lineman who anchored the Lions' defense in the 1960s before going on to an acting career died Wednesday.
Lions looking healthier after open date
Louis Delmas and Cliff Avril were on the practice field, looking healthy after a much-needed open date for the Lions.
Former Lions great Karras' condition worsens
Alex Karras' condition has deteriorated and the NFL team he played for is extending its sympathies.
NFC North Spin cycle: Week Five
After winning Sunday, the 4-1 Vikings and Bears hold a two-game advantage over the 2-3 Packers in the NFC North.
Lions' problems much deeper than awful special teams
The way we hear it, Detroit’s dismal special-teams play might be indicative of a deeper problem beneath the surface.
NFC North Spin cycle: Week Four
The surprising Vikings took hold of the NFC North one-fourth of the way through the season with a big win at Detroit.
Two return TDs help lift Vikings past Lions
Percy Harvin returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown, helping the Vikings beat the Lions 20-13 Sunday.
Lions' special-teams coverage again an issue to watch
The Lions' special-teams coverage was victimized by some bad luck in a loss at Tennessee, but it was also outexecuted.
PLAYER NEWS
The Detroit Lions have signed Raiola to a four-year contract extension.|||||||
The team announced Thursday that the 6-foot-1, 295-pound starter will remain in Detroit through the 2013 season. Raiola is entering his ninth season with the Lions. He was drafted 50th overall in 2001 and has started at center since 2002, playing in 124 games with 108 starts.
The Lions fined Raiola $7,500 Tuesday for inappropriate conduct directed toward fans.|||||||
He made an offensive gesture toward fans during Sunday's home loss to Minnesota, and the eight-year veteran said the next day he didn't regret his reaction to hecklers. Raiola declined to answer a question Wednesday about whether he wanted to back down from anything.
Raiola was inactive for Sunday's game versus Tampa Bay.|||||||
Raiola started one game this season - Sept. 21 at San Francisco.
Raiola has re-signed with the Detroit Lions, agreeing to a five-year contract. Official financial terms were not released, but reportedly, the deal is worth about $17.5 million. The center, who was a second-round pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, has served as a starter each of the past three seasons.|||||||
Raiola could have become an unrestricted free agent on March 2.
