Dan Campbell’s emotional reaction to Frank Ragnow’s shocking retirement at age 29

Dan Campbell lauded Frank Ragnow on Thursday with an emotional tribute days after the Lions center’s shocking retirement at the age of 29.

“Frank’s been unbelievable. Teammate, football player, man of the community. He’s done it all,” the Detroit head coach said at a press conference, his voice cracking with emotion.

“He will be sorely missed.”

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Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Lions, announced his retirement Monday on Instagram. 

“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,” he wrote in the post.

“I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t. I have to listen to my body and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.”

As he spoke about Ragnow on Thursday, Campbell referenced one play from Detroit’s 31-23 win over the Buccaneers in the 2024 NFC Divisional Round.

With the Lions facing a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line and the game knotted at 10-10, Detroit ran it up the gut with running back Craig Reynolds for the go-ahead touchdown.

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The play was a success due in large part to Ragnow, who managed to block one of Tampa Bay’s biggest defensive linemen after a painful collision with the lineman’s knee.

“It was huge,” Campbell said. “That’s the type of player he was.”

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The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Ragnow played seven seasons with Detroit, sticking by the franchise through its rise from NFC North bottom-dweller to Super Bowl contender. 

He dealt with a recurring toe problem during his career, which caused him to miss 13 games in 2021, and it flared up in 2022 as well.

Ragnow was a Pro Bowl selection in each of the last three seasons leading up to his retirement, and leaves a void for Detroit to fill on the offensive line as the team looks to contend for a championship this season.