Frank Ragnow Retirement: Lions’ Anchor Steps Away
Highlights
- 4x Pro Bowl center retires after 6 seasons with Detroit Lions
- Battled inoperable toe injury since 2021 plantar plate tear
- Played through toe/knee/ankle injuries in 2023 Pro Bowl season
- Tate Ratledge (2nd-round pick) taking first-team reps as replacement
- Emotional Instagram announcement: “I have to listen to my body”
The Frank Ragnow retirement marks the end of an era for the Detroit Lions. The 29-year-old center, a first-round pick from Arkansas in 2018, announced his departure via Instagram after six grueling NFL seasons defined by resilience and pain.
Injury Battles & Relentless Performance
Frank Ragnow retirement follows years of physical sacrifice:
- 2021 Season: Torn left plantar plate (Week 4) ended his year
- “Inoperable” Toe Injury: Diagnosed in 2023 after playing through chronic pain
- 2023 Pro Bowl Campaign: Earned 4th Pro Bowl despite toe, knee, and ankle injuries
“I have given this team everything I have… I simply don’t [have more].”
– Ragnow’s emotional Instagram statement
Ragnow’s toughness became legendary. He played 16 games in 2023 – his healthiest season in years – while privately contemplating retirement due to mounting injuries.
Why Retire Now?
Three factors drove the Frank Ragnow retirement:
- Irreparable Physical Toll: The “inoperable” toe injury left no recovery path
- Contract Timing: Retired with 2 years left on his deal ($13M/year)
- Preserving Quality of Life: At 29, prioritizing long-term health over short-term grit
His absence from Lions’ offseason workouts foreshadowed this decision.
Lions’ Next Steps: The Ratledge Era
With Frank Ragnow retirement, Detroit turns to rookie Tate Ratledge:
- 2nd-round pick (No. 61 overall) from Georgia
- Taking first-team center reps during OTAs
- Started 38 games at right guard for Bulldogs
- Key projection: Converting guard skills to NFL-ready center technique.
FAQs: Frank Ragnow Retirement
Will Frank Ragnow return to the NFL?
Highly unlikely. His “inoperable” injury leaves no realistic path back.
How will the Lions replace Ragnow?
Rookie Tate Ratledge is the immediate successor, with veteran Graham Glasgow as depth.
What were Ragnow’s career achievements?
4 Pro Bowls, 74 starts, 2023 All-Pro 2nd Team, and 2021 NFL’s highest-paid center contract.
How do experts grade the Lions’ draft strategy post-Ragnow?
NFL Draft Grades praise Detroit’s foresight in selecting Ratledge as Ragnow’s heir.
