GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Frank Ragnow, the longtime middle for the Detroit Lions, has introduced his retirement.
“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 mentioned on social media. “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.”
Ragnow spent his complete seven-year profession with the Lions. The Arkansas Razorback was chosen twentieth general within the 2018 NFL draft and performed 96 video games in Honolulu Blue whereas coping with a number of lingering accidents.
In 2023 alone, Ragnow handled a again drawback and missed one sport with a calf harm. That December, he missed only one sport after present process knee surgical procedure. Within the 2023 Divisional Spherical sport towards Tampa Bay, he sprained a knee and an ankle simply earlier than halftime and was able to go for the beginning of the third quarter.
Final season, he partially tore his pectoral muscle within the Lions’ Week 3 win over Arizona. He was held out one sport as a precaution and performed with the harm the remainder of the season.
He did all of it whereas main one of many NFL’s greatest models. Ragnow was named to 4 Professional Bowls and was second-team All-Professional thrice, together with 2023 and 2024.
Detroit Lions gamers look on as middle Frank Ragnow (77) is shaken up after a play towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the first half of an NFL soccer NFC divisional playoff sport, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Picture/Paul Sancya)
He performed alongside fellow vet Taylor Decker at left deal with and Penei Sewell on the proper. The Lions have already got to exchange proper guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed a free-agent take care of Tennessee in March.
The Lions did draft two offensive linemen in April: Tate Ratledge out of Georgia and Miles Frazier out of LSU. Each performed guard in school however might presumably transfer inside. Graham Glasgow, the workforce’s different veteran guard, has additionally performed middle rather a lot all through his NFL profession.
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The one different inside offensive lineman on the roster is second-year participant Christian Mahogany.
“I have given this team everything I have, and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t,” Ragnow mentioned. “The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process, and I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”
