Lions' star center Frank Ragnow stunningly announces retirement

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At the end of last season, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow said his body felt as good as it had in years when crossing the finish line.

A few months later, with time to reflect, Ragnow has had a change of heart. After seven seasons, which included four Pro Bowl selections, the 29-year-old lineman is calling it a career.

“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,” Ragnow posted on Instagram. “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 (family’s) 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,” Ragnow’s message continued. “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.”

Selected in the first round of the 2018 draft, Ragnow started at left guard as a rookie before switching to center, his college position, in his second year. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2020, along with second-team All-Pro honors. He was named to three more Pro Bowls from 2022 to 2024.

The one time Ragnow didn’t make the Pro Bowl during that stretch, he missed most of the season with a toe injury, which continued to plague him the rest of his career.

Ragnow struggled with multiple injuries in 2023 but lauded the training staff, led by Brett Fischer, for developing a regimen that helped Ragnow feel and play his best.

In addition to the on-field accolades, Ragnow was also the team’s nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in 2021 and the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year award in 2023 for his work with Rags Remembered Foundation, which focused on children dealing with the grief of losing a parent.

With Ragnow absent during the voluntary portions of the offseason program, rookie Tate Ratledge has been handling the center responsibilities. Veteran Graham Glasgow also has extensive experience playing the position, both manning the spot during Ragnow’s rookie season and filling in for him when he’s missed time due to injury the past two seasons.