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- Pays Tribute to Lions’ Frank Ragnow Following Retirement Announcement
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson took a moment to recognize one of his former players, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, after the veteran lineman stunned the NFL world by announcing his retirement.
Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line and played a crucial role during the team’s recent success. He helped power Detroit to the NFC Championship Game in 2023 and a league-best 15-2 record in the 2024 season. His retirement at just 29 years old caught many by surprise, especially given that he was in talks regarding a contract for the upcoming year. However, the wear and tear from a series of injuries ultimately led him to step away from the game.
Ben Johnson Reflects on Ragnow’s Grit and Toughness
Now leading the Bears, Johnson previously served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator and worked closely with Ragnow for several seasons. In a heartfelt message shared via CHGO Sports, Johnson praised Ragnow’s resilience, saying, “I don’t know if I’ve ever been around a tougher player.”
Johnson first joined the Lions’ staff in 2019 and saw Ragnow compete in 80 of his 96 career games. Many of those performances came while Ragnow was nursing multiple injuries—something Johnson won’t soon forget.
A standout memory came during the 2023 divisional playoff against the Buccaneers. Despite spraining his knee and ankle after a collision with quarterback Jared Goff, Ragnow remained in the game. On a pivotal 4th-and-goal play, he managed to block Pro Bowler Vita Vea, opening the lane for Craig Reynolds to punch in a touchdown and give Detroit a 17-10 advantage. The Lions went on to win 31-23.
Battling Through Injury and Still Dominating
Throughout his career, Ragnow battled a wide range of physical setbacks—including injuries to his foot, toe, back, groin, and even once played through a fractured throat. Yet, his performance never dipped. According to Pro Football Focus, Ragnow consistently ranked among the league’s elite centers, earning top-five marks in both run blocking and overall performance over the last three seasons. In fact, he led all centers in run-blocking grades for two consecutive years and topped the overall rankings in 2023.
Given such an outstanding career marked by both excellence and perseverance, Johnson’s admiration is well-earned. Ragnow leaves behind a massive void in Detroit—and a lasting legacy of grit and excellence in the trenches.
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