Detroit Lions All-Pro center Frank Ragnow announced his sudden NFL retirement in a post shared on his Instagram account Monday (June 2).
"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. 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. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all."
Ragnow, 29, was selected as a Second-team All-Pro for a third time and second consecutive time, as well as a Pro Bowler for the fourth time, having started 16 games in 2024. The former Arkansas standout started in 14 or more games during six of his seven NFL seasons, excluding only an injury-shortened 2021 season.
The Lions are coming off back-to-back NFC North Division championship seasons, having finished the 2024 regular season with the best record in the NFC before being upset by the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round.