Frank Ragnow, the Detroit Lions’ standout center, has walked away from football at 29 years old. His surprise retirement announcement came via Instagram on Monday, June 2.
“These past couple of months have been very trying,” Ragnow wrote. “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.”
Ragnow’s body couldn’t take any more punishment. He’s battled a serious toe problem since 2021 that doctors can’t fix with surgery. Last season, he played through a partially torn pectoral muscle, missing just one game despite the pain.
The tough center spent all seven of his NFL seasons with Detroit after being drafted 20th overall from Arkansas in 2018. His career highlights include four Pro Bowl selections and three Second-Team All-Pro honors. Even while fighting through injuries last year, experts still ranked him as the third-best center in football.
Detroit now faces a major challenge in replacing its offensive line leader. During recent team practices, rookie Tate Ratledge has been taking snaps at center. Though Ratledge played guard in college at Georgia, the Lions see potential in him at center. Veteran Graham Glasgow, who has previous experience at the position, gives the team another option.
Ragnow’s departure leaves a hole in one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. This unit was key to Detroit’s strong running game and gave quarterback Jared Goff consistent protection during their playoff run last season.
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“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 explained. “I have to listen to my body.”
His decision adds to a growing trend of NFL players retiring early to protect their long-term health. Other notable players like Luke Kuechly and Chris Borland also stepped away from football before turning 30 due to health concerns.
Beyond his on-field skills, Ragnow embodied the gritty culture that head coach Dan Campbell has built in Detroit. Teammates respected his toughness and willingness to play through pain.
In 2021, Detroit signed Ragnow to a four-year, $54 million contract that made him the NFL’s highest-paid center at the time. His early retirement will impact the team’s salary cap situation as they adjust their roster.
For a Lions team hoping to build on last season’s success, losing a player of Ragnow’s caliber creates uncertainty. However, the organization has been preparing for this possibility by giving Ratledge practice time at the center during team activities.
