The NFL has always been a physical sport. With the constant tackling and battle on the front lines, the shelf life of an NFL career isn’t tremendously long. However, at age 29, Frank Ragnow’s retirement from the sport was one of the most shocking moments of the entire offseason.
Among the best centers in the game, Ragnow was a critical piece of the Detroit Lions roster, functioning as the lynchpin for their excellent offensive line. However, in a long message to fans, the former first-round pick explained his decision to call it quits.
Why Did the Lions’ Frank Ragnow Retire From the NFL?
Coming into the league as the 20th overall pick, the Lions were sure they had found their long-term answer at the position in 2018. It didn’t take long for Ragnow to prove their assumptions correct.
Over an eight-year career, he was selected to three All-Pro and four Pro Bowl teams, with three consecutive selections to the latter. Over the last two years, he ranked as the best center blocking the run, leading to an almighty Lions offense.
Thanks to his work up front, both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs formed a legendary ground game, earning the nickname “Sonic and Knuckles.” His protection paved the way for an offensive line that ranked as the fifth-best in the league on PFSN’s OL+ metric.
It also empowered an offense that ranked at the top of PFSN’s Offense+ metric. Playing in every game last season, Ragnow was on the field during Detroit’s disappointing meltdown against the Washington Commanders in last year’s playoffs.
With both coordinators gone, head coach Dan Campbell may have been counting on his steadiness to lead the charge. But in an Instagram post, the Arkansas product officially announced his retirement.
“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. 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,” Ragnow said.
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A torn plantar plate in his left foot that he suffered in 2021 has been inoperable, as he called it. However, Ragnow has continued to soldier through. Over the years, he’s been open about his future, with retirement on the cards.
“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.”
Since the formal offseason workouts officially went underway, Ragnow’s absence was noticeable. However, with his decision, it leaves a gaping hole in the middle of the Lions’ offensive line.
So far, second-round pick Tate Ratledge has been playing substitute center, and he might be the favorite to replace Ragnow. A three-year lineman out of Georgia, Ratledge is used to playing right guard, but might shift over with no obvious solutions on the market for Detroit.
