The career of Frank Ragnow with the Detroit Lions is a testament to unwavering commitment, elite performance, and an almost superhuman ability to persevere through a relentless barrage of adversity. From the moment he was drafted 20th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Ragnow gave the Lions everything he had, embodying the grit and resilience that have become synonymous with the recent resurgence of the franchise.1 His unexpected retirement in June 2025, though heartbreaking for fans, underscored the immense physical toll he endured, proving once again that his dedication came at a profound personal cost.
Ragnow arrivd in Detroit from Arkansas with a reputation as a dominant and intelligent offensive lineman.2 He quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line, a unit that would become one of the best in the NFL. Initially deployed at guard in his rookie season, he started all 16 games, showcasing his versatility and toughness. However, it was at the center position, where he moved permanently in 2019, that Ragnow truly blossomed into an elite talent. He became the anchor of the line, the “brain” of the operation, responsible for calls, adjustments, and the precise execution required to open lanes for the run game and protect the quarterback.3
His on-field accolades speak for themselves. Ragnow earned four Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2022-2024) and three second-team All-Pro selections (2020, 2023, 2024).4 These honors place him among the league’s very best at his position, a consistent force whose dominance was recognized by peers and analysts alike. He was a master of his craft, known for his incredible strength, leverage, and football IQ. He rarely gave up sacks, was a powerful run blocker, and his presence elevated the play of the entire offensive line around him.5
However, Frank Ragnow’s story is not just one of triumphs and accolades; it is deeply intertwined with a narrative of profound adversity and remarkable perseverance. Throughout his career, he battled a litany of injuries that would have sidelined lesser players, yet he consistently found a way to return to the field, often playing through excruciating pain.6
One of the most notable instances of his resilience came in the 2020 season when he suffered a fractured cricoid cartilage in his throat. This is a severe and uncommon injury, yet Ragnow, with an incredible display of toughness, remained on the field. He famously quipped about it providing an excuse to avoid household chores, but beneath the humor lay a sobering truth about his commitment to his team. This was not an isolated incident. He battled a persistent toe injury that plagued him for years, eventually becoming inoperable and contributing significantly to his retirement decision.7 He also dealt with ankle issues in college and various other nicks and bruises throughout his NFL career.
The very nature of playing center in the NFL is brutal. It requires constant engagement in the trenches, snapping the ball while simultaneously battling powerful defensive linemen, often in tight spaces and awkward positions. Ragnow’s willingness to push through pain, to line up week after week despite his body screaming at him, became a defining characteristic of his career. He embodied the “toughness” mantra that Lions coach Dan Campbell has instilled, becoming a symbolic figure for a team that embraced grit and resilience as its core identity.
Beyond the physical toll, Ragnow also faced personal adversity. During his junior season in college, he dealt with the unexpected passing of his father, Jon, at a young age.8 This profound personal tragedy undoubtedly shaped his perspective and fueled his determination to honor his family through his performance on the field. His ability to navigate such immense personal loss while still excelling at the highest level speaks volumes about his character and mental fortitude.
His commitment to the Detroit Lions was unwavering. He was a vocal leader, a respected teammate, and a central figure in the team’s transformation from perennial strugglers to a legitimate playoff contender. He experienced the lean years of the franchise, and his steadfast presence was a constant as the team slowly built towards success under Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell. When the Lions finally broke through, winning the NFC North in 2023 and making deep playoff runs in both 2023 and 2024, Ragnow was an indispensable part of that success, anchoring an offensive line that consistently paved the way for a dominant run game and provided stellar pass protection.
His retirement announcement in June 2025 was a poignant moment, confirming what many had quietly feared: the physical demands of the game had finally become too much. In his farewell message, Ragnow candidly admitted, “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.”910 This raw honesty resonated deeply with fans, highlighting the immense sacrifice professional athletes make for their sport. It was a decision made not out of a lack of desire, but out of a recognition that his long-term health, and his family’s future, had to come first.
Frank Ragnow’s legacy with the Detroit Lions will be multifaceted. He will be remembered as one of the best centers to ever wear the Honolulu Blue and Silver, an All-Pro talent who brought consistency and dominance to a critical position.11 More importantly, he will be remembered as a warrior, a player who embodied perseverance in the face of relentless adversity. He gave his all to the Detroit Lions, both in terms of his talent and his physical well-being.12 His career is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience, and he will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the Lions faithful.
