After being drafted in 2018 with the 20th overall pick by the Detroit Lions, Frank Ragnow quickly established himself as one of the best centers, if not one of the best offensive linemen, in the entire league. Over an eight-year career, he tallied three Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. And now, after a spectacular run, he has decided to step back.
With two consecutive All-Pro nods, his retirement at 29 was all the more shocking for a Detroit Lions team still reeling from the loss of both its coordinators. But with an incredible career, he also became a favorite in the locker room, leading to an outcry of support for one of the best centers in the game.
Teammates Shower Frank Ragnow With Love After Retirement
Taking to Instagram, Ragnow revealed that the numerous injuries ultimately led him to make the decision. Before the 2023 season, he openly debated his future in the league, calling a torn plantar plate in his left foot inoperable.
Ultimately, the pain was too much, and he called the decision a last resort to give his body a break and redirect his attention to his loved ones. “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.”
Among the best run blockers in the league, he was a big reason for the Lions’ top-five offensive line last year, per PFSN’s OL+ metric.
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On his retirement post, teammates went above and beyond to thank him for his contributions, both on and off the field. Among the first was David Montgomery, who joined the Lions in 2023 and immediately positioned himself as one of the most reliable running backs in the league.
Forming the “Sonic and Knuckles” duo with Jahmyr Gibbs, he tallied close to 1,800 rushing yards and notched 25 touchdowns with Ragnow as his primary protection. In the comments, he wrote, “Love you buddy, thanks for being such a great teammate,” adding a “Love you bubba” on his stories as well.
With Ragnow, Detroit had the single best offense in the league last season, per PFSN’s Offense+ metric. While their ground game made them uniquely dynamic, their passing game was on point, with Amon-Ra St. Brown racking up his fourth consecutive 1,000+ yard season.
Finishing with 1,263 yards and a career-high 12 touchdowns, Brown also had Ragnow to thank for the incredible season from Jared Goff, who has historically struggled against pressure. He, too, wrote, “Much deserved,” alongside a heart emoji in the comments.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new cornerback, Darius Slay Jr., who was with Detroit from 2013 to 2019, including the first two years of Ragnow’s career, added, “Congrats my guy on an amazing career.”
Another former teammate, Tennessee Titans safety Quandre Diggs, also wrote, “My dude!!! Congrats on a great career, you are a legend!!” Diggs was selected to play for the Lions in the sixth round of the NFL Draft.
His mother, Marty Ragnow, penned a heartfelt message for the former first-round pick. “You are going out on top in all ways! I am so proud of you! Love you! Putting yourself first for Lucy your kids siblings and your mama!!”
With love pouring in from every corner of the internet, the Lions’ star’s impact on the Detroit organization is hard to quantify. When he joined the team in 2018, he was walking into one of the worst situations in the sport.
But over the years, he’s been a huge part of the Lions’ transformation into a legitimate contender and one of the most consistent teams in the NFL.