The NFL was rocked this week when Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, a four-time pro bowler and three-time Second Team All-Pro, announced his retirement after only seven seasons in the league. At 29, Ragnow cited persistent injuries as the driving force behind his decision to step away, leaving a gaping hole in Detroit’s offensive line. Drafted 20th overall in 2018 NFL draft out of Arkansas, Ragnow quickly became one of the league’s premier centers, earning various accolades because of his toughness, intelligence, and leadership.
His retirement stunned the fans and analysts, as the Lions, a 2024 NFC contender with a 15-2 record (best in their conference), now face the challenge of replacing a cornerstone player. Ragnow’s departure marks the end of an era for a player whose grit and consistency anchored Detroit’s rise from the ashes under head coach Dan Campbell.
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Speaking on Thursday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell provided insight into Ragnow’s retirement process, noting that the veteran had been contemplating the decision for some time. Campbell also revealed that Ragnow sought his personal advice but he was given the space to make his own choice in the end. Campbell said, “We knew he was thinking about it, but there was never a yes or a no.” He also went on to praise Ragnow’s self-awareness as he knew exactly when to pull the plug, stating, “When you know it’s your time, it is the right time,” and expressed deep respect for the difficult choice Ragnow made.
Campbell also addressed speculation tying Ragnow’s absence from offseason workouts to contract disputes, calling such talk “disrespectful.” With no guaranteed money left in the final two years of his deal, many assumed financial motives, but Campbell clarified that this was far from the truth. He expressed that an open communication would have easily resolved any financial disputes, doubling down on his take about Ragnow’s decision being purely personal, and more related to injuries than anything else.
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Dan Campbell was clearly fond of Ragnow as he recently spoke to the reporters about what he would miss from his absence now that he’s retiring, stating, “Frank’s been unbelievable teammate, football player, and the community, he’s done it all. He will be sorely missed.”
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