This week in the NFL kicked off with a surprising announcement: Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow officially retired from football. After seven seasons in Detroit, Ragnow has decided to step away from the game and prioritize his family.
Who Is Frank Ragnow’s Wife?
Lucy Ragnow is the wife of the recently retired NFL center, with whom she has been married since 2021. The couple has a son, Jon Benson, born in August 2023, and on May 14, they announced they are expecting another child, a daughter, to grow their family.
She works as a Pilates instructor and contributes to the Rags Remembered Foundation, which her husband created to foster a love of the outdoors in families experiencing grief. Lucy graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.Sc) in Retail and Consumer Behavior from 2014 to 2018.
On Instagram, Lucy frequently shares photos of family moments and often posts when she attends games to support Frank during his time with the Lions.
Frank Ragnow Retires From the NFL
Frank Ragnow announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, June 2. The move came as a surprise given his last season’s performance, which included a Pro Bowl season that also earned him a second-team All-Pro selection. While he was reportedly unhappy with his contract, retirement was not something anyone anticipated.
Over seven seasons in the NFL, Ragnow earned four Pro Bowl selections and three second-team All-Pro honors, with significant injury issues only occurring during the 2021 season. It was also in 2021 that he signed a four-year, $54 million contract extension. His average of $13.5 million per year made him the fourth-highest-paid center in the league at the time.
Despite being among the best at his position in the NFL, Ragnow concluded that it was time to step away from football and focus on his family. On Instagram, he shared a note explaining his decision, stating that he no longer saw a reason to continue.
“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. 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,” Ragnow wrote.
Sources: #Lions All-Pro and Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, one of the game’s best, has informed the team he plans to retire. A stellar career comes to a close. pic.twitter.com/8ByDj2nqe0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 2, 2025
Now, the Lions face the near-impossible task of quickly replacing one of the best centers in the NFL as the season approaches. But for Ragnow, the focus will now shift to transitioning from a professional career that earned him millions of dollars to prioritizing his health and family.