On Monday, June 2, 2025, Detroit Lions Center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement from the National Football League (NFL).
“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 [family’s] 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 emerged as a four-star recruit at Chanhassen High School in Minnesota. Despite receiving offers from Big Ten programs like the University of Minnesota and The Ohio State University, Ragnow elected to attend the University of Arkansas. During his time in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he was selected for the 2014 SEC All-Freshman Team and earned All-SEC and All-American honors in 2016 and 2017.
In 2018, the Detroit Lions selected Ragnow with the 20th pick in the first round. With the Lions, Ragnow appeared in the Pro Bowl four times and was selected to the second All-Pro team three times. Over seven seasons, Ragnow helped the Lions have three winning seasons and appear in the playoffs twice.
