A Pillar Falls: Lions Center Frank Ragnow Announces Shocking Retirement After Seven Seasons

Frank Ragnow (born May 17, 1996) is a former American professional football center who played seven seasons with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he was a two-time All-American. Ragnow was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. He earned four Pro Bowl selections with Detroit and three second-team All-Pro selections.

111 — Aug 21, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Detroit Lions offensive guard Frank Ragnow (77) walks off of the field after playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Early life:

Ragnow attended Chanhassen High School in Chanhassen, Minnesota. He was rated as the 24th-best offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 3 prospect from Minnesota as a senior. ESPN evaluated him as a four-star athlete. Ragnow ultimately committed to play for the University of Arkansas after receiving offers from schools such as Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Minnesota, Ohio State, and Florida State. He was also on the track & field team throwing the shot put 57 ft 6+1⁄4 in (17.532 m) in the Class AA State Finals, finishing in second place.

Detroit, MI – The Detroit Lions and their passionate fanbase were rocked today by the sudden announcement that All-Pro center Frank Ragnow is retiring from the NFL after just seven seasons. The news, initially reported by NFLL Network insider Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by Ragnow himself on Instagram, sends shockwaves through a Lions team poised for Super Bowl contention.

Ragnow, a stalwart of Detroit’s dominant offensive line and a four-time Pro Bowl selection, cited health concerns and the desire to prioritize his family’s future as the primary reasons for his decision. At just 29 years old, his retirement comes as a stunning development, especially after he had expressed intentions to play in 2024 following the Lions’ deep playoff run.

“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 wrote. “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.”

Indeed, Ragnow has been a warrior in the trenches, playing through a litany of injuries throughout his career, most notably a persistent toe issue that has plagued him since 2021. Despite the physical toll, he consistently performed at an elite level, earning Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023, and 2024. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded run-blocking center in 2024, a testament to his unwavering commitment and skill.

Drafted 20th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, Ragnow quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier centers. He became the highest-drafted center from Arkansas in NFL history and was a foundational piece in the Lions’ rebuild under General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell. His leadership, toughness, and exceptional play were instrumental in transforming Detroit’s offensive line into one of the most feared units in the NFL, paving the way for a potent running game and protecting quarterback Jared Goff.

The impact of Ragnow’s retirement on the Lions cannot be overstated. He was the anchor of an offensive line that consistently ranked among the league’s best, allowing minimal sacks and creating lanes for running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. While the Lions have invested in offensive line depth, including second-round pick Tate Ratledge, the loss of a player of Ragnow’s caliber leaves a significant void.

For now, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how the Lions address this critical position. The team has internal options, and the front office will likely explore external avenues to maintain the strength of their offensive line. Regardless of who steps into the role, they will have enormous shoes to fill, as Frank Ragnow leaves behind a legacy of grit, dedication, and exceptional performance that will long be remembered in Detroit.