Lions’ Frank Ragnow makes shocking retirement decision ahead of 2025 campaign

With the Detroit Lions ready to tackle a grueling schedule for the 2025 season, the team will be without offensive line staple Frank Ragnow as he will be retiring, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. While new wrinkles had been teased for the Lions offense, it won't feature Ragnow as he announced via his Instagram account.

Ragnow had played in the NFL with Detroit since 2018, where he was selected with the 20th overall pick in that year's draft and has since solidified himself as a top offensive lineman in the league. He would say in his post on social media that he had “tried to convince” himself that he's “feeling good,” but had to face reality.

“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 wrote 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. I have given this team everything I  have, and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.”

Lions' Frank Ragnow on “one of the hardest decisions” of his life 

With some people having concerns about the Lions this season, Ragnow's retirement could add fire to that flame as the offensive line takes a major hit, which has usually been a strength. Ragnow is a three-time second-team All-Pro and also a four-time Pro Bowler, as he continued about his decision to retire and how it was “one of the hardest decisions” of his life.

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

At any rate, Detroit looks to hopefully fill in the void seamlessly of Ragnow after a successful season in 2024, where they went 15-2, which won them the NFC North. They open up the season on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the Green Bay Packers.