Dan Campbell reacts to retirement of Frank Ragnow: ‘I respect the hell out of him’
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Dan Campbell will have to replace his longtime starting center for the Detroit Lions. That would be former Arkansas standout Frank Ragnow, who recently announced his retirement in a somewhat stunning move.
Ragnow appeared to be at the top of his game, earning 3 straight Pro Bowl nods and back-to-back 2nd-team All-Pro honors as a key piece of Detroit’s turnaround under Campbell. However, Ragnow cited listening to his body, coming to the conclusion it was time to hang things up.
At an offseason press conference, Campbell confirmed the Lions had no issues with Ragnow or any type of ongoing contract dispute. The head coach said the team wanted Ragnow to have space to make his decision, only asking the lineman to reach his decision before the offseason was up.
“We knew he was contemplating it for a while, but there was never a yes or no, or whatever. We did our best to give him his space and let him sort it out, which he did,” Campbell admitted.
As for the decision itself, Campbell was oozing with respect for the veteran for Ragnow’s ability to make the tough call. Ultimately, it stings for the Lions who lose a fan-favorite and stalwart up front, but Campbell understands Ragnow knows himself better than anyone.
“Whenever you know it’s your time, it is the right time, because it’s not fair to him or his teammates or anybody else,” said Campbell. “I respect the hell out of him for the decision. It’s not easy to do, but he knows himself, and I will always respect that.”
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Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
