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: Week One
The Packers were a popular pick to win the NFC North, but after one game, they are looking up at the rest of the division.
Lions rally late to beat Rams
Matthew Stafford threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Smith with 10 seconds left, lifting the Lions to a 27-23 win over the Rams on Sunday.
Rams OLT Saffold carted off
Rams OLT Rodger Saffold was carted off the field on a stretcher in the Week One game against the Lions.
Florence a logical addition for Detroit
Whether the Lions are deep and talented enough in the secondary will be something to watch, but ex-Bronco Drayton Florence bolsters their depth.
Vanden Bosch restructures salary to help Lions
Veteran DE Kyle Vanden Bosch reportedly restructured his contract Thursday to give the Lions much-needed salary-cap relief.
Report: CB Florence to sign with Lions
Multiple reports said that CB Drayton Florence, who was cut by the Broncos on Friday, will sign with the Lions on Sunday.
Lions cut CB Smith, DT Fluellen, DE Brown
The Lions cut veteran CB Alphonso Smith, DT Andre Fluellen and DE Everette Brown.
Lions place RB Best on PUP list
The Lions announced Monday that they have placed RB Jahvid Best and CB Chris Greenwood on the reserve/physically unable to perform list.
Report: Hanson keeps Lions PK job
According to the Lions' website, Jason Hanson has won the team's PK competition with rookie Derek Dimke.
Lions' Young a pass rusher on the rise
Lions DE Willie Young, a third-year pro from North Carolina State, has emerged as a solid pass rusher off the bench for Detroit.
Lions QB Stafford injures left hand
Lions QB Matthew Stafford left in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Raiders with an injury to his left, non-throwing hand.
Lions sign Osgood
The Lions signed special-teamer Kassim Osgood, the former Jaguar confirmed on Twitter.
Lions claim DT Skinner on waivers
The Lions claimed rookie DT Bobby Skinner on waivers from the Giants, multiple media outlets reported.
Report: Ex-Lions CB Berry facing three-game suspension
Former Lions CB Aaron Berry was suspended three games for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Lions sign OG Nagy, place CB Coleman on I.R.
The Lions have claimed ex-Cowboys OG-C Bill Nagy off waivers after he was released following ankle surgery earlier in the week.
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.