Lions C Frank Ragnow retires at age 29

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow is calling it a career after seven NFL seasons.

In a post to social media, Ragnow confirmed reports of his impending retirement, saying he's ready to prioritize health and family two weeks after his 29th birthday.

"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. "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 (sic) future."

A first-round pick out of Arkansas and a key cog on one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, Ragnow was named second-team All-Pro last season and made the Pro Bowl three times.

Tate Ratledge stepped into Ragnow's starting role during offseason workouts. He's a converted guard who started three seasons as a right guard for Georgia. If the Lions decide the rookie second-round pick isn't ready, left guard Graham Glasgow has started at center and could slide to that position.

Ragnow was often lauded for playing through injuries. In 2021 he played with a "fractured throat" after missing two games and he pushed through a partially torn pectoral muscle after being ruled out for only one game, the Monday night trip to Seattle.

Ragnow had chronic toe injuries, the onset of which he believes began with a torn plantar plate in his foot in 2021.