Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl standout and a key figure in coach Dan Campbell’s team resurgence, announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons.
At 29 years old, Ragnow shared on social media that despite trying to push through, his body isn’t allowing him to continue playing. “I have given this team everything I have and thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t,” he said. “Listening to my body has led to one of the toughest decisions of my life.”
Throughout his career, Ragnow faced numerous injuries. In 2021, after playing a season with a fractured throat, he was rewarded with a $54 million, four-year contract extension, making him the highest-paid center in the league at that time, as negotiated by GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell.
Ragnow earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023, and 2024, and made his first Pro Bowl in 2020 under coach Matt Patricia. He then earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2022 to 2024.
Reflecting on his retirement, Ragnow said, “The past few months have been challenging as I accepted that my football journey is over. I am deeply grateful to the Lions organization for their support throughout this process. It’s been an honor to play for this team and its incredible fans.”
