The careers of professional athletes can be tough, and this is especially true for football and players like Frank Ragnow. He was an essential piece of the Detroit Lions offensive line but he had to retire to to his mounting injuries and his body not being able to take it anymore. He tried to make a comeback last November but the he did not pass a physical exam with the Lions, leading to him giving up his return attempt a few months later.
When he tried coming back last November, it was revealed that Frank Ragnow had suffered a Grade 3 hamstring strain. After a tough decision, he revealed the truth behind why he is actually retiring:
"To shoot it to you straight, I was trying to will myself to play, and my body was telling me otherwise. And I was just in like a paralysis if you will," Ragnow said. "I did not plan on retiring in the middle of the summer, believe it or not. I was trying to get like, 'You can do it,' for the guys, the fans … like, it's who you are."
Frank Ragnow was essentially forced to retire. When he left, the Lions offensive line struggled and repeatedly failed to protect Jared Goff. With his retirement now final, fans felt of him being forced to retire.
"The NFL lost a true titan of the game. Frank Ragnow played with such grit and toughness that it was inspiring to watch every Sunday. It is a tough pill to swallow, but health always comes first. Thanks for the memories, Frank! Absolute class." said one fan.
"It is wonderful to hear he can finally lay his head down at night peaceably knowing he tried everything." another person added .
"Such a tough ending for a phenomenal career. Frank Ragnow gave everything to that Lions team, and it's heart-wrenching to know he tried to come back but couldn't. Wishing him nothing but the best in his health and life after football. Respect!" said another person.
"Hate that it ended like this for him. A healthy Ragnow was easily one of the best centers in the league. Lions fans are definitely going to miss his presence on the field.," one fan pointed out .
"Tough way to step away. Respect his honesty though." one fan tweeted .
"Sad deal. Health couldn't hold up" noted another.
Following his sudden retirement, Frank Ragnow has not kept up with many at the front office. However, he has kept up with his teammates and said he did not have bad blood with the organization, which reportedly leaked details of his failed comeback.
"I guess that's a tough question to answer. Obviously, the reports are out there or whatever, and I don't know why they leaked it, but that's on them," he said. "I am trying to be a positive, glass half full or whatever you say. … I'm a people person. There's so many great people in that facility and on that team, and I've got nothing but love and respect, and I'm rooting for all of them."
The All-Pro center added that he will be completely fine and that it was worth the shot of trying to come back. He added that he struggled to decide on ultimately staying retired, but he did in the end.
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