Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announces retirement from NFL

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement from the NFL Monday. The 29 year old played seven seasons in the pros.

Following an injury plagued 2021 season, Ragnow started in 16, 15 and 16 regular season games the following three seasons. He anchored the Lions’ offensive line throughout his career and helped them to the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs this past season.

However, the former Arkansas star decided to hang it up for good. He made his emotional announcement on social media.

“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 wrote on 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.”

The No. 20 overall pick in teh 2018 NFL Draft, Ragnow didn’t waste much time making an impact for the Lions. He has a four-time Pro Bowler in his career (2020 and ’22-24). Not only that, Ragnow was named Second-Team All-Pro three times (2020, ’23 and ’24).

While in college with the Razorbacks, Ragnow was one of the best linemen in the country. In 2016 and ’17, Ragnow was named a First-Team All-American and was also First-Team All-SEC those seasons. In 2014, Ragnow made the SEC All-Freshman team.

As a member of the Class of 2014, Ragnow was a four-star recruit out of Chanhassen (Minn.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 29 interior offensive lineman in the class and the No. 340 overall prospect in the class.