One mind-blowing stat concisely reflects the brilliance of Frank Ragnow

After he was notably absent from OTAs last week, with a report he was unhappy with the state of his contract, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement on Monday morning.

Over seven seasons after the Lions took him in the first round of the 2018 draft (No. 20 overall), Ragnow earned four Pro Bowl selections, including three consecutive in what are now the final three seasons of his career. He also earned three Second Team All-Pro selections in his career, including back-to-end to end his career.

The 29-year old Ragnow didn't retire because he can no longer play at a high level. A long list of injuries he dealt with in his career, notably including a 2023 season that was like a game of "Operation" at times, became too much. He generally noted that in the Instagram post announcing his decision.

“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. 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.”

One incredible stat sums up the excellence of Frank Ragnow

Ragnow found his permanent home as the Lions' starting center in 2019, his second season. From there he was among Pro Football Focus' top-six graded centers in five of six seasons, with a 2021 campaign that was shortened to four games by a turf toe injury the lone exception.

That toe issue would become something Ragnow had to manage over the rest of his career.

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Despite the ongoing beating his body took, Ragnow missed just four games over the final three seasons of his career. He topped 1,000 offensive snaps in each campaign, allowing just four sacks in that span (1,954 total pass blocking snaps, according to PFF).

For his career at center, with just one snap there during his rookie season, Ragnow allowed just six sacks over more than 5,500 total snaps. Detroit Lions on Tap put out a nice visualization of that.