One of the few Pro Hogs currently in the league who's carved out a starting spot on an NFL team has played the last snaps of his career. Former Razorback center Frank Ragnow announced on his personal Instagram account that he is retiring from the game of Football.
Frank Ragnow retires after seven seasons in the NFL
In his social media post, Ragnaw shared a tear-jerking message about why he made this decision at 29 years old.
"These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL. 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. 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..."
Ragnow's career in the pros only lasted seven seasons, but in that time, he's made the most of it. He's been named second-team All-pro three times and made the Pro Bowl four times, including the last three seasons. When the Detroit Lions drafted him with the 20th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the franchise was one of the worst in the league. However, Ragnow leaves the Lions on the cusp of making a Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history.
While at Arkansas, Ragnow was a three-year starter and played in nine games his freshman season. By his senior year, he led all offensive linemen with an outstanding 93.7 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus. Even more impressive, Ragnow never allowed a sack in his four years as a Razorback. In the process, he earned numerous awards and accolades between the 2014 and 2018 seasons.
Frank Ragnow collegiate awards and accolades
2018 Senior Bowl Invitee
2017 First-Team All-American (Pro Football Focus and CBS Sports)
2017 Second-Team All-American (FWAA and Phil Steele)
2017 Third-Team All-American (AP)
2017 First-Team All-SEC (Pro Football Focus and Phil Steele)
2017 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
2017 Senior CLASS Award Finalist
2017 Wuerffel Trophy Semifinalist
2017 Jason Witten Man of the Year Semifinalist
2017 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll
2017 SEC Community Service Team
2016 First-Team All-American (Pro Football Focus)
2016 Fourth-Team All-American (Phil Steele)
2016 First-Team All-SEC (Pro Football Focus and Phil Steele)
2016 Second-Team All-SEC (AP)
2016 Best Offensive Lineman (Pro Football Focus)
2016 Best Run Blocker (Pro Football Focus)
2016 SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week (Sept. 19)
2016 Orange Bowl Courage Award Nominee
2016 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll
2014-15 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll
2014 All-True Freshman Team (Sporting News)
2014 SEC All-Freshman Team (Coaches)