Ragnow, who turns 28 in May, had a stellar season and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time and named to the All-Pro team twice. Even though he struggled with injuries this past season, Detroit wasn’t positive if their offensive line leader would be back in 2024.
Before the NFC Championship, Detroit listed Ragnow’s injuries on the official injury report as including toe, ankle, knee, and bag. Although he was able to play through the agony, the problems were far more serious than had been made public.
Ragnow battled through excruciating pain and discomfort this past fall and throughout the postseason after battling an “inoperable” toe ailment the previous season.
One of the reasons the club was willing to be patient and let him make his own decisions about his future was the expectation that the injuries he sustained would have long-term effects after he left football.
For Detroit’s attack, Ragnow’s return is equally as significant as Johnson’s decision to stay on as offensive coordinator for another season. Keeping him on one of the finest offensive lines in the league is essential to Detroit’s success because he was perhaps the best center in the league the previous season.
But much as with Johnson, Detroit will have to start preparing for life beyond Ragnow. Given that he has already suffered from injuries and that he at least briefly considered retiring this summer, it is plausible to assume that he will retire from football by 2026.
