At the end of last season, 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, he had a change of heart. After seven seasons, which included four Pro Bowl selections, the 29-year-old lineman is calling it a career.
When it was reported that Frank was likely holding out for a new or updated contract, it really struck me that this seemed out of character for him. Now we know that in fact he was not holding out for a new contract. You cannot fault a man for looking out for his health and for his family's future, but gosh we're going to miss him.
Life in the NFL, I guess. But it still hurts. Seven years is still a great career, by any rational standard, in an incredibly violent sport where big guys are actively trying to hurt you on every play. All the best to Frank and his family. I wish him a reasonably pain-free rest of his life.
Dan lauded Frank's ability to play through injuries saying not many can, but he could. Ben said he'd ask for the gameplan before it was ready, citing his tenacious mental work ethic. I revered his humility and Midwest hobbies and humor.
Johnny Morton is behind the 8 ball, even with Hank still on staff. Frank was the timing chain and distributor to our engine, it's a massive loss.
Disappointed, like everyone else. Not only that we won’t have Ragnow in the middle, but that he won’t get a ring and be part of a championship run if we make one. DC nailed it after the San Francisco game that there are no guarantees you’ll ever make it back to that point. Fortunately, Ragnow always seemed like he had a balanced life and I’m sure will move on seamlessly to his next chapter.
So those rumors the Lions were looking to trade up, was it for the Center Zabel that Seattle drafted at 18. He was the best Center in this draft by far and it was a terrible Center class.
Rutledge could have plan B because even though he didn't play any Center he shows many of the attributes the Lions want for Center.
He's smart so he will get it down but with Goff playing QB he can call out the protections for now. The smart money is on Glasgow starting and maybe Ratledge plays OG for a year but maybe not, Lions are not afraid to play their top picks right away.
I always thought GG was a better G than C. That said as a wily vet he will probably be a better LOS communicator than Ratledge as a rookie. Hopefully there is one more decent year in GG's tank
A bit shocking for sure. With Glasgow and Decker aging more rapidly, suddenly the strength of the OL looks a bit tenuous. I am sure Brad and Dan will find a way to keep it up near the top. Can't blame a player for retiring from a game where playing can be brutal on the body.
It would be a very tough case, considering a seven-year career, six years of playing time, no first-team All-Pro selections, and minimal playoff success.
Yes, that’s true. I was thinking he might be the first one of this team if they do get far in the playoffs and Super Bowls to be on the list for selection.
This hurts, for sure. GG has done a good job filling in in the past, and Frank didn't have the greatest year last year, so maybe the drop-off won't be cavernous. But would have been nice to have had him for 1-2 more years while we brought along the rookies. Wish him well.
Congratulations to Frank Ragnow for being an amazing starter and setting an extremely high standard
Enjoy a very well earned retirement knarfwrongar!
Thanks, Frank. You gave it all and we love you for it.
When it was reported that Frank was likely holding out for a new or updated contract, it really struck me that this seemed out of character for him. Now we know that in fact he was not holding out for a new contract. You cannot fault a man for looking out for his health and for his family's future, but gosh we're going to miss him.
Gutted. Happy Frank is at peace with the decision and wish him the best. But dang, he took that o-line play to the next level
Life in the NFL, I guess. But it still hurts. Seven years is still a great career, by any rational standard, in an incredibly violent sport where big guys are actively trying to hurt you on every play. All the best to Frank and his family. I wish him a reasonably pain-free rest of his life.
Dan lauded Frank's ability to play through injuries saying not many can, but he could. Ben said he'd ask for the gameplan before it was ready, citing his tenacious mental work ethic. I revered his humility and Midwest hobbies and humor.
Johnny Morton is behind the 8 ball, even with Hank still on staff. Frank was the timing chain and distributor to our engine, it's a massive loss.
Disappointed, like everyone else. Not only that we won’t have Ragnow in the middle, but that he won’t get a ring and be part of a championship run if we make one. DC nailed it after the San Francisco game that there are no guarantees you’ll ever make it back to that point. Fortunately, Ragnow always seemed like he had a balanced life and I’m sure will move on seamlessly to his next chapter.
So those rumors the Lions were looking to trade up, was it for the Center Zabel that Seattle drafted at 18. He was the best Center in this draft by far and it was a terrible Center class.
Rutledge could have plan B because even though he didn't play any Center he shows many of the attributes the Lions want for Center.
He's smart so he will get it down but with Goff playing QB he can call out the protections for now. The smart money is on Glasgow starting and maybe Ratledge plays OG for a year but maybe not, Lions are not afraid to play their top picks right away.
I’m crushed. Great player, great guy and a great family man.
I always thought GG was a better G than C. That said as a wily vet he will probably be a better LOS communicator than Ratledge as a rookie. Hopefully there is one more decent year in GG's tank
A bit shocking for sure. With Glasgow and Decker aging more rapidly, suddenly the strength of the OL looks a bit tenuous. I am sure Brad and Dan will find a way to keep it up near the top. Can't blame a player for retiring from a game where playing can be brutal on the body.
Well that certainly helps explain the Lions' decision to draft IOLs back to back.
We can’t have nice things. Good luck Frank!
Dang, the injuries had to be much worse than we knew for Ragnow to give up when the ultimate goal is so close.
Hall of Famer?
It would be a very tough case, considering a seven-year career, six years of playing time, no first-team All-Pro selections, and minimal playoff success.
Denzel in Remember the Titans, "You're a Hall of Famer in my book" while aggressively chewing gum.
Yes, that’s true. I was thinking he might be the first one of this team if they do get far in the playoffs and Super Bowls to be on the list for selection.
Definitely a ring of honor candidate! IMO
This hurts, for sure. GG has done a good job filling in in the past, and Frank didn't have the greatest year last year, so maybe the drop-off won't be cavernous. But would have been nice to have had him for 1-2 more years while we brought along the rookies. Wish him well.