Frank Ragnow has unexpectedly referred to as it a profession.
The Detroit Lions heart introduced his retirement on Monday after seven seasons within the NFL.
“These previous couple of months have been very attempting as I’ve come to the belief that my soccer journey is ending and I am formally retiring from the NFL,” the 29-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“I’ve tried to persuade myself that I am feeling good however I am not and it is time to prioritize my well being and my households (sic) future.
“I’ve given this workforce every part I’ve and I believed I had extra to offer, however the actuality is I merely do not.
“I’ve to hearken to my physique and this has been one of many hardest selections of my life.
“The Lions group has been completely unbelievable all through this course of and I am unable to emphasize this sufficient how grateful I’m for this workforce and all of the followers.
“It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”
Ragnow walks away whereas nonetheless seemingly within the prime of his profession.
He’s coming off a 3rd All-Professional season, whereas making it to the Professional Bowl for the fourth time.
Ragnow was ranked the most effective run blocking heart within the NFL final 12 months, and graded out because the second finest heart general.
It’s a huge loss for the Lions and their Tremendous Bowl aspirations heading into subsequent season.
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And sadly for Lions followers, having considered one of their star gamers retire early whereas nonetheless of their prime is one thing they’re used.
Corridor of Famers Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders, a few of the finest who’ve ever completed it at their respective positions, each walked away whereas nonetheless dominating on the sphere for the Lions.
In current occasions, stars together with Aaron Donald and Andrew Luck have shocked the NFL world by deciding to stroll away once they did.
It has left some followers to query the way forward for the sport and a few are fearful about Ragnow’s well being.
“DAMN! Ragnow JUST turned 29. This man has gone by means of a number of accidents although. Fractured throat, groin, calf, turf toe, ankle, again points, knee harm, torn pectoral,” one fan commented on X.
“Pleased he selected to stroll away when he did, hope he’s positive long-term,” one other fan chimed in.
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“Everyone seems to be retiring so early,” another fan added.
The violent nature of the game itself does not lend itself to lengthy careers, so taking part in seven seasons within the Nationwide Soccer League remains to be fairly a formidable feat for Ragnow.
And contemplating the excessive stage through which he performed it at, he has completely nothing to be ashamed of.
The Lions should retool as they give the impression of being to recover from the hump and into the Tremendous Bowl for the primary time in franchise historical past.