Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is well known for wearing his heart on his sleeve. In following that trend, he offered an emotional sendoff to Frank Ragnow in his first press conference since his seemingly shocking retirement announcement sent waves through the NFL.
Campbell got choked up speaking about how much he loves Ragnow, speaking specifically about his grit and dedication to the Lions despite so many injuries bogging him down over the last few years.
#Lions HC Dan Campbell on Frank Ragnow’s retirement: “He will be sorely missed.”
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) June 5, 2025
However, Campbell says “this train rolls on” and it’s next man up. “We will be ready to go when training camp comes,” he said. pic.twitter.com/jGGSfIHEX9
Campbell made sure to also tell reporters that he found talk about anything contract-related being the reason why Ragnow had decided to retire "disrespectful," explaining that the team knew more or less that Ragnow had been considering this move for the last few months but wanted to give him time and space to figure out what he wanted to do this season.
"Whenever you know it's your time, it is the right time. ...I respect the hell out of him for his decision," said Campbell, according to Detroit News beat reporter Nolan Bianchi.
Ragnow gets emotional sendoff from Campbell
Ragnow, who had played with the Lions his entire career since being drafted by them in the first round back in 2018, announced his decision to retire at the start of the week, which was the second week of Lions OTAs. He hadn't reported to camp just yet, which had led to some speculation regarding his contract being a reason for his absence. But clearly, he had been thinking about stepping away for a while.
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His injury history had been lengthy prior to this decision. Despite making several Pro Bowl and All Pro appearances, he had been constantly dealing with issues like turf toe, a fracured throat (yes, you read that right), groin, calf, back, knee, and ankle issues, and a partially torn pectoral. It's hard to come back from so many injuries like that, and especially so when you're an offensive lineman.
Despite him only being 29 years old, he had to step away for his health. And, it's a decision that Dan Campbell clearly respects as he kept saying he felt like Ragnow clearly knew it was his time. Now, the team has to find a replacement for the elite center who was consistently in the top five at the position throughout his career.