Throughout the 2023 season, the Detroit Lions gained a reputation for their indomitable “grit,” a quality that propelled the team to win the NFC North and progress to the NFC Championship Game. This identity was encapsulated by the social media hashtag #AllGrit, embraced by the franchise and its fans.
Few Lions players have epitomized this spirit more than center Frank Ragnow. Since his selection by the organization in the first round of the 2018 draft (No. 20 overall), Ragnow has battled through numerous injuries, notably a persistent turf toe issue since the 2021 season, limiting his appearances to just four games that year. Despite these setbacks, Ragnow showcased remarkable resilience, participating in nearly a full season’s worth of games over the past two seasons (16 in 2022 and 15 in ’23), earning Pro Bowl honors in both years and a second-team All-Pro selection in the most recent season.
Odds Frank Ragnow Retires
Odds Frank Ragnow Retires
His toughness was most evident in the NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers, where he played all 72 offensive snaps, just a week after spraining his knee and ankle in the Lions’ divisional round playoff victory over the Buccaneers.
detroit lions my lions is my valentine rose flower bring it home t shirt 1 xZ8bi
Ragnow embodies the essence of a true “gamer” and is revered by countless Lions fans for his unwavering tenacity.
However, speculation has swirled about Ragnow’s future in the NFL since the end of the season. Recent comments from both Ragnow and Detroit general manager Brad Holmes have fueled this narrative. While Ragnow did not explicitly mention retirement, he acknowledged the toll that football has taken on him, emphasizing the need to prioritize his physical and mental well-being. Holmes echoed these sentiments, expressing respect for Ragnow’s deliberative approach and affirming that no pressure would be exerted on him to make a hasty decision regarding his playing future.
Odds Frank Ragnow Retires
Odds Frank Ragnow Retires
Despite these reflections, doubts persist regarding Ragnow’s potential retirement. At present, I assign a modest 30 percent likelihood of the 300-plus-pound lineman hanging up his cleats.
