Detroit Free Press

Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, one of the most important players on a Detroit Lions offensive line that is considered one of the best in the NFL, is calling it a career.

Ragnow wrote on Instagram that he is retiring after seven seasons with the Lions for health reasons.

“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.

“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 families (sic) future.”

Ragnow, a first-round pick out of Arkansas in 2018, played in 16 games and was a second-team All-Pro selection last season, when he said after the season he felt as healthy as he’d been in years.

Ragnow has battled toe problems since 2021, when he tore the plantar plate in his left foot in a Week 4 game against the Chicago Bears and missed the rest of the year.

He re-injured his toe in 2022, and called the ailment inoperable in the spring of 2023.

That fall, Ragnow made his third Pro Bowl after playing 16 games despite toe, knee and ankle injuries.

He acknowledged after the season he was contemplating his future, then returned with another Pro Bowl performance last year, when he played through a partially torn pectoral muscle.

Ragnow, who turned 29 last month and had two years left on his contract, was not taking part in formal offseason workouts with the Lions this spring.

He was scheduled to make $9.15 million in base salary this fall.

“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 wrote on Instagram.

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

“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.”

Tate Ratledge, a second-round pick out of Georgia, has been taking first-team reps at center in Ragnow’s absence and is the leading candidate to replace Ragnow on the Lions’ offensive line.

Ratledge was a three-year starter at right guard for Georgia, though the Lions touted his position versatility after trading up to take him with the 57th pick of the draft.

“He’s a long, tall, big man, but we love the versatility of the player,” assistant general manager Ray Agnew said at rookie minicamp in May.

“He can play multiple positions, inside in the interior. Like the toughness, like the way he plays the game.

“The guy can get out in space, man. Those guys that can get out in space and block for a guy like Jahmyr Gibbs and then he’s going to the house for a touchdown, you love those guys. So I’m excited about Tate, man. I’m really, really, really excited about Tate.”

Ratledge took first- and second-team reps at center during the Lions’ installation period at their open organized team activities practice last week, when Lions coach Dan Campbell downplayed the absence of Ragnow and veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone from voluntary workouts.

Ratledge said at rookie minicamp in May he was enjoying the transition, but still trying to learn all three interior line positions

Veteran interior lineman Graham Glasgow, who started last season at left guard and played right guard in 2023, also has experience at center; he started all 16 games at the position for the Lions in 2018.

Colby Sorsdal and Michael Niese also saw time at center last week, and center Kingsley Eguakun spent last season on the Lions’ practice squad as an undrafted rookie.

“It’s different from guard of course, but I’m glad I’ve had prior experience, too, playing center so it’s nothing brand new to me,” Ratledge said.

“So coming back out here and getting in the feel of it. But as far as center goes, you’re taking control of the offensive line so I kind of like that aspect of it.”

Dave Birkett is the author of the book, “Detroit Lions: An Illustrated Timeline.” Order your copy here. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.