Just over a year ago, Detroit Lions Pro Bowl quarterback Frank Ragnow announced his sudden retirement, leaving the Motor City’s offensive line dead for 2025. The guy tried to make a comeback bid midseason, but his physical condition ultimately thwarted those plans.
Speaking to reporters at his charity event in Michigan for the first time since his failed comeback, Ragnow opened up about the reality of what he went through.
“I was just trying to will myself to play,” Ragnow said, via The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy . “I was, and my body told me otherwise. I was just like paralyzed, if you will. I wasn’t going to quit in the middle of the summer, believe it or not. It was like — I was trying to get, like, ‘You can do it for the guys, for the fans.’ It’s who you are.” But it’s just … like I was uncomfortable. And it’s one of those things where you have a couple of kids — and I don’t want a sob story, I’m fine, I’ll be absolutely fine — but it’s one of those … ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze?’ thing.”
“For me, in the end, it came down to that decision. And obviously I struggled with that decision as well.”
Ragnow started 96 games for the Lions over seven seasons after being drafted in the first round in 2018. He earned four Pro Bowls and was a second-team All-Pro in each of his last two campaigns.
With the Lions’ offensive line struggling to replace center last season, Ragnow briefly tried to make a comeback, but never got off the ground with a Grade 3 hamstring strain.
Ragnow noted that the injury forced him to listen to his body.
“You see the guys – and I tried to avoid games, tried to distract myself from it,” he said. “Then I started watching games and I felt guilty. Like Jared (Goff) got hit — that’s my guy. Those are my guys, and they’re struggling. And then I made a straight decision and tried to get ready to play, got hurt and … it was tough. It was really tough. But you know, everything happens for a reason, and I’m where I am right now.”
Ragnow’s retirement set in motion a revamped Lions offensive line in 2026. Detroit signed center Cade Mays in free agency, moved left tackle Penei Sewell to replace the released Taylor Decker, and drafted right tackle Blake Miller in the first round. The Lions hope the moves and improved seasons from young guards Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany can help bring the O-line back to where it was in 2024.