# Frank Ragnow talks about retirement from Detroit Lions for first time
full article at link
==
Ragnow, the four-time Pro Bowl center who retired unexpectedly after seven seasons with the Detroit Lions, made his first public comments since walking away from the game last June before his fourth annual Skeet Shoot Showdown on Friday, June 12, at the Bald Mountain Shooting Range in Lake Orion.
Ragnow said he felt guilty about his decision to retire, detailed his aborted comeback and closed the door on a possible return, saying he’s in the best spot now for his health and his family.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BALL: After trying first year, Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard is willing to change
“To shoot it to you straight, I was trying to will myself to play. I was,” Ragnow said. “And my body was telling me otherwise and I was just like in, like, paralysis, if you will. I did not plan on retiring in the middle of the summer, believe it or not. It was like I was trying to get like, ‘You can do it for the guys, for the fans, it’s who you are.’
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
"But it’s just, like, I was uncomfortable and it’s one of those things where you have a couple kids, and I don’t want a sob story. I’m OK, I’m going to be completely fine and everything, But it’s one of those things, like, I don’t know, ‘Is the juice worth the squeeze?’ thing. And to me ultimately it came down to that decision.”
==
The Lions finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
“I felt guilt,” Ragnow said. “Like Jared’s getting hit, that’s my guy. Those are my guys and they’re struggling. And then I made a bonehead decision and tried to get ready to play and got hurt and it’s just, like, that was tough. That was really tough. But you know it all, everything happens for a reason and I am where I am now and I’m in a great place and the team’s in a good place and I’m excited for next season so I guess it all worked out whether it’s the right way or whatever but we found a way and everything’s OK."
==
Though he lives full-time in Minnesota, Ragnow said he plans to continue with his charitable work in metro Detroit.
Along with Friday’s skeet shooting event, Ragnow is hosting about 40 kids for a day of fishing and outdoor activities through his Rags Remembered Foundation this weekend. The foundation benefits children who’ve lost a loved one, and Ragnow said his father Jon’s premature death from a heart attack in 2016 played a role in his decision to walk away from the game, too, and be more present for his family.
He said he’s not sure what else he’ll do in retirement, but when asked if he’s officially closed the door on a return to the NFL, Ragnow laughed and said, “Yeah, I’d say so.”