Frank Ragnow: Coming back| Retire| Is coming back| Age| News

Introduction

Frank Ragnow — once the anchor of the offensive line for Detroit Lions — has had one of the most surprising U-turns in recent NFL memory. In June 2025, at just 29 years old, Ragnow announced his retirement, citing health and family priorities. Yet as of November 26, 2025, Ragnow has come out of retirement to rejoin the Lions — sending a wave of excitement through fans and analysts alike.

In this article, we will dive into Ragnow’s background, his career milestones, the reasons for his retirement, what changed, and what his return could mean for the Lions’ 2025 season.

Who is Frank Ragnow — Quick Background & Career

• Birthdate & Early Life: Frank Ragnow was born on May 17, 1996 in Victoria, Minnesota.

• College Career: He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 2014–2017. As a Razorback, he was widely regarded as a dominant interior lineman: over 42 games, starting 33 consecutively, covering 2,603 offensive snaps, and — remarkably — never giving up a sack.

• NFL Draft & Early NFL Career: Ragnow was selected 20th overall in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He made his pro debut that same year — eventually becoming a mainstay at center (after a rookie season playing guard) and starting every game he played: 96 games played, 96 starts as of 2025.

Physical profile: 6 ft 5 in, ~310 lb — prototypical size for an NFL center.

Accolades:

• 4× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022–2024)

• 3× Second-team All-Pro (2020, 2023, 2024)

Over his seven-season career (2018–2024), Ragnow helped anchor the Lions’ offensive line — often praised for his power, leadership, and consistency.

2025: Retirement at 29 — What Happened?

In early June 2025, Ragnow stunned the NFL world when he announced his retirement. At just 29, many expected him to have several more years left. The official reason he gave: to “prioritize my health and my family’s future.”

Why the sudden decision?

• Injury struggles: Throughout his career, Ragnow played through significant injuries: turf toe in 2021, a partially torn pectoral muscle in 2024, and even a fractured throat at one point.

• Long-term health concerns: The cumulative toll of those injuries — common for offensive linemen — likely made continuing his career riskier. Many speculated that chronic pain, recovery difficulties, and potential long-term damage weighed on him.

• Desire for family & life balance: In his retirement announcement, Ragnow emphasized focusing on his family’s future — a sentiment shared by many athletes nearing the physical and mental limits of elite sports.

For the Lions, his retirement was a blow: losing a center who had been the anchor of their offensive line for years.

Few expected such a bright career to end so soon — but that made what happened next all the more shocking.

The Comeback: Frank Ragnow Is Coming Back (2025)

On November 26, 2025, after nearly six months of retirement, Ragnow announced he was ending that retirement and rejoining the Detroit Lions. The comeback was confirmed by both the club and multiple NFL insiders.

According to sources, Ragnow is reportedly “in shape and ready to roll sooner rather than later.”

Why the sudden reversal?

While exact motives behind such a big decision are personal, some public insights suggest:

• Love for the game: According to reports, a source close to Ragnow simply said he “loves the game.”

• Team needs: The Lions’ offensive line has struggled with injuries and consistency this season — adding a proven veteran like Ragnow offers a major boost as they push for playoffs.

• In-shape & ready: Contrary to some expectations, Ragnow apparently kept himself in good shape post-retirement, making a return feasible without long reconditioning.

In short: what looked like a final goodbye might instead be a new chapter for Ragnow and the Lions.

What This Means for Frank Ragnow — Age, Legacy, and Future

Age & Physical Considerations

At 29, Ragnow is still at an age when many NFL linemen perform at a high level. The comeback suggests he believes his body can still endure — or at least tolerate — the demands of elite football.

Still, given his injury history and past concerns, how he holds up over the remainder of 2025 (and beyond) will be closely watched. Fans and analysts will be particularly attentive to how he manages snaps, recovery, and whether his performance remains consistent.

Legacy Solidified — Possibly Growing

Before retirement, many already considered Ragnow among the best centers of his era. With four Pro Bowls, three Second-team All-Pros, and over 95 career starts by age 29, he built a resume many players aspire to.

His comeback could further burnish that legacy — particularly if he helps lead the Lions deep into a playoff run.

What to Watch

• Performance & durability: Can he stay healthy and perform at his previous elite level after a brief retirement?

• Team impact: Will his return solidify the Lions’ offensive line and contribute to run/pass protection?

• Long-term outlook: Will this be a short-term comeback or a renewed multi-year commitment?

Why the Timing Matters — For the Lions and the 2025 Season

• The Lions are currently 7-4 in the 2025 season (as of late November), but have dealt with injuries along the offensive line.

• Reintroducing a veteran center of Ragnow’s caliber could help stabilize the line, giving better protection to the quarterback and improving the running game — both essential for a playoff push.

• For fans and the franchise, it’s a morale boost — a signal that the Lions are serious about contending, not just for the short term but for deeper postseason ambitions.

Many are calling it a “Thanksgiving miracle,” given the unusual timing and potential ramifications.

FAQs

Q: How old is Frank Ragnow now?
A: Frank Ragnow was born on May 17, 1996. As of November 2025, he is 29 years old.

Q: When did Ragnow first retire and why?
A: Ragnow first announced his retirement in June 2025, citing continuing health concerns and a desire to focus on his family’s future.

Q: When did he decide to come back?
A: On November 26, 2025, Ragnow ended his retirement and rejoined the Detroit Lions.

Q: What are Ragnow’s major career achievements?
A: Over seven NFL seasons, Ragnow has:

• Started 96 games (96 starts) as of 2025.

• Earned 4× Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2022–2024).

• Earned 3× Second-team All-Pro honors (2020, 2023, 2024).

Q: Is it common for NFL players to retire and then un-retire in the same season?
A: While not unheard of, it’s relatively rare — especially for players who retire voluntarily (not due to being cut). Ragnow’s return stands out because of his age, his status as a top interior lineman, and the short gap between retirement and comeback.

Conclusion

Frank Ragnow’s journey — from top-tier offensive lineman to sudden retiree at 29, and back again within months — is one of the more intriguing storylines in the 2025 NFL season. His decision to return could reshape the trajectory of the Detroit Lions’ season, giving them a much-needed boost in the trenches.

Whether this marks the beginning of a renewed chapter or a final push remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: fans, teammates, and the league will be watching closely.