Dan Campbell: Talk of Frank Ragnow's retirement being contract related "disrespectful"

[ASFN Admin]

An emotional Dan Campbell made a few things clear about Lions center Frank Ragnow and his retirement this week. First and foremost, he respects Ragnow's decision.

"He will be sorely missed," Campbell said while fondly recalling Ragnow's key block on Buccaneers DT Vita Vea that led to a touchdown in the playoff win following the 2023 season.

"The train rolls on," an emotional Campbell said, fighting back tears. "We will be ready to go once (training) camp hits."

As for any speculation that Ragnow's retirement was in any way related to contractual dissatisfaction, Campbell sternly rejected the notion.

"Quite frankly, some of the stuff about contract talk is disrespectful. That's not what this was ever about."

Campbell said the Lions knew for some time that Ragnow was contemplating retirement.

"We knew that he was contemplating (retirement) for a while," Campbell said, "but there was never a 'yes or no' or whatever; we did our best to give him his space, let him sort it out ... we would certainly like (a decision) before the offseason is out, and he did."

Campbell elaborated on Ragnow's decision,

"Whenever you know it's your time, it is the right time."

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Campbell: Talk of Ragnow retirement about contract "disrespectful"

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