Every NFL offseason brings its share of surprises, but few things hit harder than a sudden retirement from a franchise cornerstone. When a star player calls it quits while still playing at a high level, fans and teams alike are left scrambling for answers. Injuries, long-term health concerns, and the physical toll of the game often play a role, but each case has its own twist. And this offseason just delivered another shock to the system with Frank Ragnow’s retirement.
The Detroit Lions will enter the 2025 season without one of their most reliable and decorated offensive linemen.
NFL’s Most Shocking Retirements of the Last 10 Years
1) Frank Ragnow, C, Detroit Lions (2025)
At just 29 years old, Frank Ragnow walked away from the game after seven seasons with the Lions. Drafted 20th overall in 2018, Ragnow became the anchor of Detroit’s offensive line, starting all 96 games he played. He earned Pro Bowl honors in 2020, 2022, and 2023, and was named second-team All-Pro in 2020 and 2023. Across more than 6,000 snaps, he allowed only 10 sacks and 26 quarterback hits — a testament to his dominance.
Frank Ragnow has informed the Detroit Lions that he plans to retire #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/MzS6KD8ZIm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 2, 2025
Despite playing through multiple injuries in recent years, Ragnow remained a top performer, which made the June 2 retirement announcement all the more surprising. The team now appears to be preparing second-round pick Tate Ratledge to fill the massive void.
2) Aaron Donald, DE, Los Angeles Rams (2024)
Aaron Donald stunned the league in 2024 when he called it a career at 32. A future Hall of Famer and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Donald walked away while still playing at an elite level. He racked up 111 career sacks and was a nightmare for offensive lines from the moment he entered the league in 2014.
Even though Donald had flirted with retirement before, few believed it would actually happen until the announcement came. His decision marked the end of one of the most dominant defensive careers in NFL history.
3) Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers (2020)
Luke Kuechly was just 28 when he retired after the 2019 season, citing concerns about his long-term health. A seven-time Pro Bowler and the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year, he was the heart of the Carolina Panthers’ defense for nearly a decade. His instincts, speed, and leadership made him one of the best linebackers of his era.
The emotional video he posted to announce his retirement showed just how tough the decision was. Kuechly has since remained involved in football through various roles with the Panthers.
“In my heart, I know it’s the right thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/mSDyJ0iEMw
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) January 15, 2020
4) Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts (2019)
The most jaw-dropping moments in recent NFL memory belong to one Andrew Luck, who retired just before the 2019 season at the age of 29. The Colts quarterback had battled a string of injuries and said the constant cycle of rehab had taken a toll on his mental health.
A former No. 1 overall pick, Luck threw for over 23,000 yards and 171 touchdowns in six seasons. His retirement sent shockwaves across the league and Indianapolis hasn’t had a franchise quarterback since. The team’s revolving door of signal-callers has included Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan and Anthony Richardson.
5) Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions (2015)
Calvin “Megatron” Johnson’s retirement after the 2015 season left fans in disbelief. At only 30, Johnson still had plenty of gas left in the tank, but cited the physical toll the game had taken on his body. A six-time Pro Bowler and member of the Hall of Fame, Johnson finished his career with 11,619 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns.
He remains one of the most dominant wideouts the game has ever seen. His decision echoed the retirement of another Lions great — Barry Sanders — two decades earlier.
6) Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2015)
Patrick Willis was just 30 when he retired in 2015, ending a brilliant eight-year run with the 49ers. A five-time first-team All-Pro, Willis was known for his range, toughness, and ability to diagnose plays instantly. He had battled toe injuries late in his career but was still seen as a high-impact defender.
Fans expected him to be the heart of the Niners’ defense for years to come, which made his early exit a massive surprise.
7) Ali Marpet, G, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021)
Ali Marpet called it quits in 2022 at age 28, just one year after making his first Pro Bowl. A second-round pick in 2015, Marpet was one of the most dependable guards in the league and a key part of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl 55 run. He started 101 games over seven seasons and helped protect Tom Brady during their title push.
Marpet’s retirement caught many off guard (pun intended), especially with the Buccaneers still in win-now mode at the time. He cited health and long-term wellness as the main reasons behind his early exit.
