Detroit Lions starting center Frank Ragnow is retiring from the NFL at age 29, he announced Monday in an Instagram post.
Ragnow acknowledged he grappled with a ‘very trying’ few months before deciding to retire. He cited the toll of injuries and the physical demands of the sport as the main reason for his decision.
‘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,’ Ragnow wrote. ‘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.’
The Lions selected Ragnow 20th overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He quickly blossomed into a quality starter for the team, making 96 starts over his seven NFL seasons.
Ragnow made four Pro Bowls during his career and was named an All-Pro second-teamer in three of his final five seasons. He was a key cog in Detroit’s top-scoring offense during the 2024 NFL season and graded as Pro Football Focus’ second-best center for the campaign, behind only Kansas City Chiefs star Creed Humphrey.
That said, Ragnow was frequently listed on the Lions’ injury report, though he still played at least 14 games in six of his seven NFL seasons. He gained notoriety for playing through a fractured throat in a December game during the 2020 season and also dealt with foot, toe, knee, ankle, back and groin injuries throughout his career.
Ragnow’s retirement comes as the Lions opened their OTAs for the 2025 NFL offseason. The 29-year-old was not in attendance for those workouts, and speculation arose he might want a new contract as he entered the penultimate year of his deal.
Ragnow put those rumors to bed with his decision to retire. The Lions will now look to replace him, with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo noting veteran Graham Glasgow and second-round rookie Tate Ratledge are taking reps at center in Ragnow’s stead.
Meanwhile, Ragnow took his retirement announcement as an opportunity to thank the Lions and their fans for the support they offered him throughout his seven-year career.
‘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,’ Ragnow wrote. ‘It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.’