Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow of the Detroit Lions has abruptly retired from the NFL, citing health concerns. The 29-year-old, who was drafted in 2018, announced his decision after a seven-year career with the team. Ragnow, who was drafted 20th in the 2018 NFL Draft, played a key role in the Lions’ offensive line, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023, and 2024. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and made three consecutive selections from 2022 to 2024.
Ragnow’s retirement comes amid a challenging season for the Lions, who recently lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The team now faces another significant setback, with key personnel leaving. In an Instagram post, Ragnow expressed his gratitude to the team and fans, emphasizing that he had given everything he had to the organization. He stated, “I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.” Ragnow, who battled multiple injuries throughout his career, including a fractured throat in 2021, was signed to a $54 million, four-year contract with the Lions at that time.
The Lions’ offense has taken another significant blow with Ragnow’s departure. Despite his efforts, the team was unable to secure a playoff victory, losing the divisional round to the Washington Commanders. Ragnow’s retirement marks the end of a promising career, leaving the Lions to navigate the future without one of their most reliable offensive linemen.
As the Lions prepare for the next season, they will need to address the void left by Ragnow’s retirement. His contributions to the team’s success over the years cannot be overstated. The team’s management will have to find a way to maintain the offensive line’s effectiveness and continue competing at a high level.
Ragnow’s decision to retire comes after months of internal struggle, as he grappled with the decision to end his football career. The physical toll of the sport, combined with multiple injuries, appears to have been a determining factor in his choice. His words in the Instagram post highlight the emotional weight of this decision, underscoring the personal significance of his departure from the league.
Ragnow’s retirement marks a turning point for the Lions, who have already lost key coaching personnel and now face the challenge of rebuilding their offensive line without one of their most consistent performers. The team’s performance in the upcoming season will be a measure of how well they can adapt to these losses.
Additionally, Ragnow’s departure may have broader implications for the NFL landscape, particularly for the Lions’ future draft strategy and free agency moves. The organization will need to focus on acquiring or developing replacements for Ragnow’s skills, which will require careful planning and strategic investment.
His career with the Lions was marked by both success and adversity. The team’s strong performance in the 2023 season, which included a 15-2 record and a No. 1 seed in the NFC, was a testament to Ragnow’s contributions. However, the inability to advance beyond the divisional round highlighted the challenges the team faced, despite their strong finish in the regular season.
Ultimately, Ragnow’s retirement is a significant loss for the Lions and their fans. His presence on the field was a source of stability and strength for the team’s offense. The Lions will need to find a way to fill the void left by his departure, which will be a critical test for the organization’s ability to adapt and thrive in the face of these challenges.