When Frank Ragnow officially announced his retirement from football, it sparked a wave of speculation and opinion, particularly around why one of the NFL’s best centers would step away at just 29 years old. One report suggested that a new deal or more money could have kept Ragnow in the middle of Detroit’s vaunted offensive line. Another national report, following his retirement, claimed his contract had nothing to do with his absence from OTAs last week.
In a league often driven by financial bottom lines, Ragnow has always been a different kind of player. Blue-collar in attitude—and recreation.