Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, announced his retirement on social media on Monday.
"These past couple of months have been very trying as I've come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I'm officially retiring from the NFL," Ragnow posted to Instagram. "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 families future. I have given this team everything I have and I 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 Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can't emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all."
Unveiling our 2025 NFL season projections: Predicting the top teams and Super Bowl favorites
5dSeth Walder
Ragnow played 16 games last season, missing only a Week 4 game vs. Seattle with a partially torn pectoral muscle. He didn't miss a start afterward and was named to the Pro Bowl for the third consecutive season.
The 29-year-old Ragnow, who entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick by the Lions in 2018, earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023 and 2024. He played 96 career games -- all starts.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45436192/lions-four-pro-bowl-center-frank-ragnow-says-retiring
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gsc3PxYXQAAHkqH?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Wow, big loss for the Lions. Really respect guys making these tough decisions and thinking of their health.
Quote from: uconnjack8 on June 02, 2025, 01:41:07 PMWow, big loss for the Lions. Really respect guys making these tough decisions and thinking of their health.
I respect it as well, but man he could have done it a month and a half ago. 29 years old does seem a little young.
Quote from: Jclayton92 on June 02, 2025, 01:52:52 PMI respect it as well, but man he could have done it a month and a half ago. 29 years old does seem a little young.
Some weeks back, their second-round guard selection, Tate Ratledge, was taking snaps at center (he cross-trained at center in college). It's possible the Lions were aware that Ragnow could be contemplating retirement. Admittedly, it's hard to replace an all-pro, but it doesn't appear the Lions were taken completely off guard (based on the pick)
Huge loss. Ragnow is an animal.
It seems players football careers are less and less. A combo of health knowledge, large salaries and bonuses, stronger players which can lead to increased injuries, good annuity/retirement system.
Quote from: Jclayton92 on June 02, 2025, 01:52:52 PMI respect it as well, but man he could have done it a month and a half ago. 29 years old does seem a little young.
Good point.
Quote from: uconnjack8 on June 02, 2025, 06:47:04 PMGood point.
I'll actually disagree- it was better for the team for him not to announce publicly before the draft- as that would have signaled an obvious need that other teams could exploit on draft day.
Quote from: PSUBeirut on June 02, 2025, 07:27:22 PMI'll actually disagree- it was better for the team for him not to announce publicly before the draft- as that would have signaled an obvious need that other teams could exploit on draft day.
It still affected them regardless. Detroit moved up in the 2nd rd, giving up a 4th rd pick to draft what was largely considered a 3rd/4th rd prospect in Ratledge. They did this while having Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany for the next several years. Then they grabbed Miles Frazier the RG from LSU in the 5th to be the guard in waiting.
I think we may end up getting one of these announcements for AT in the next couple of years unless the medical staff cleans up his injuries