Frank Ragnow, the center for the Detroit Lions, has announced his retirement after seven seasons and four Pro Bowl appearances

DETROIT (AP)— Frank Ragnow, a Detroit center who was instrumental in the Lions’ revival under coach Dan Campbell, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, following seven seasons. Ragnow was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

Ragnow, 29, expressed on social media that he has attempted to persuade himself that he is in good enough health to participate, but he is not.

In 2018, Ragnow, who was drafted by the Lions in the 20th round, stated, “I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.” “This has been one of the most challenging decisions of my life, and I must listen to my body.”

Throughout his professional tenure, Ragnow persevered through numerous injuries. In 2021, general manager Brad Holmes made him the highest-paid center in the league with a $54 million, four-year extension, following a season in which he played with a fractured larynx.

In 2020, 2023, and 2024, Ragnow was awarded second-team All-Pro recognition. He was invited to his inaugural Pro Bowl in 2020 by his former coach, Matt Patricia, and subsequently participated in three consecutive games from 2022 to 2024.

Ragnow stated, “The past few months have been extremely challenging for me, as I have come to the realization that my football career is drawing to a close and I am officially retiring from the NFL.”. “The Lions organization has been incredibly supportive throughout this process, and I am incredibly grateful for the team and all of the fans.” It was an immense privilege to fight for you all.

On Monday, when asked about Ragnow’s retirement, Harrison Phillips, the eighth-year veteran defensive tackle for division rival Minnesota, gushed about him.

“He is one of the most exceptional centers I have ever had the opportunity to face,” Phillips stated. “I am aware that I was required to watch an excessive amount of additional footage and buckle my chinstrap extra tightly each time I faced him.”

Phillips said his teammates on the Vikings’ offensive line would often ask him for tips about Ragnow’s technique because his fundamental blocking abilities were so exceptional.

Phillips stated that “the manner in which he played was recognized by all players on both sides of the line of scrimmage.”