In a blow to the heart of the Detroit Lions’ offense, longtime center Frank Ragnow has announced his retirement from the NFL—and it’s not about money or contract drama. It’s about something much more personal: his health.
Just as Detroit kicks off OTAs and starts gearing up for another potential Super Bowl run, Ragnow shocked fans by stepping away from the game after seven standout seasons. While some had speculated financial reasons were behind the move, NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that wasn’t the case.
Ragnow took to Instagram to share the real reason, and it hit hard.
“I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my family’s future,” he wrote. “I have given this team everything I have and thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t. I have to listen to my body, and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.”
The 2018 first-round pick out of Arkansas was one of the best in the game, earning four Pro Bowl nods and three Second-Team All-Pro honors. Despite battling injuries year after year, he remained a force—last season he was still graded as the third-best center in the league by Pro Football Focus.
Losing him is more than just a hit to the Lions’ offensive line—it’s the loss of a leader and tone-setter who helped build the foundation of Detroit’s resurgence. There’s no obvious replacement waiting in the wings, and the timing is tough with training camp just around the corner.
Still, Ragnow walks away with his head high and his legacy cemented as one of the greatest linemen in franchise history. The Lions wouldn’t be where they are without him—and fans know it.
Frank Ragnow Announces Retirement, Cites Health in Emotional Statement
