After Frank Ragnow unexpectedly ended his career in 2024, he attempted a comeback shortly thereafter. Now he’s speaking out about the circumstances at the time.

At the end of the 2024 season, Frank Ragnow, center for the Detroit Lions, announced his sudden retirement from the NFL. At the time, he had just turned 29.

Over seven seasons, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was a key part of the franchise’s offensive line.

In his final season, the Lions finished the regular season with a 15-2 record but lost to the Washington Commanders (31-45) in the Divisional Round. This past season, however, they didn’t even make the playoffs.

A few months after his retirement, Ragnow attempted a comeback, which ultimately failed. Now he’s speaking out about the circumstances at the time.

Ragnow: “I was just paralyzed”

“I was just trying to force myself to play,” Ragnow told “The Athletic” at his charity event last Friday in Michigan. “That’s what I wanted to do, but my body was telling me something else.”

He continued: “I was just paralyzed, so to speak. I didn’t plan on retiring in the middle of summer, believe it or not. It was like this—I tried to convince myself: ‘You can do this for the guys, for the fans. That’s just who you are.’ But it was just… I didn’t feel right.”

His family also played a role, he said: “And it’s one of those situations where you have a couple of kids—and I don’t want to tell a sappy story, I’m fine, I’ll be completely fine again—but it’s one of those… ‘Is it worth the effort?’ situations,” he explained.

“For me, it ultimately came down to that decision. And of course, I struggled with that decision, too,” Ragnow said.

Ragnow made a “stupid decision”

After Ragnow’s departure, the Lions’ offensive line fell apart. Last season, the franchise finished with an 8-9 record and in last place in the NFC North.

Ragnow saw these problems too and decided on the spot to make a comeback: “You see the guys—and I tried to avoid watching games, to distract myself from it,” he explained. “Then I started watching games, and I felt guilty.”

He continued: “When Jared gets hit—he’s my buddy. These are my guys, and they’re struggling. And then I made a stupid decision and tried to get myself ready to play, got injured, and… that was tough. That was really tough. But you know, everything happens for a reason, and I’m where I am now.”

After the failed comeback, Detroit pulled out all the stops to rebuild the offensive line. Among other moves, “Motor City” signed center Cade Mays from the Carolina Panthers and drafted right tackle Blake Miller in the first round of the draft.

With these new signings and the added experience of guard prospects Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany, the Lions hope to be competitive on defense again next season.

On offense, the franchise ranks among the best in the league with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs. Last season, only three teams scored more points.