Former Razorback center Frank Ragnow retires after 7 seasons with Detroit Lions

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Former Razorback and Detroit Lions offensive lineman Frank Ragnow has announced retirement from the National Football League.

Ragnow, 29, made the announcement in an Instagram post on Monday.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions looks on during an NFL Football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

“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 said in the post. “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 was drafted by the Lions with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

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“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 said. “I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.”

Ragnow also noted that he had tried to convince himself he’s feeling well enough to play, “but I’m not,” he said.

He battled through multiple injuries in his career.

In 2021, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell made Ragnow the league’s highest-paid center at the time with a $54 million, four-year extension. He played against the Green Bay Packers that season with a fractured throat.

Ragnow was selected to four Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2022-24 and also earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023 and 2024.

He played at Arkansas from 2014 to 2017 and did not allow a single sack during his time as a Razorback.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.