With Detroit Lions great Frank Ragnow announcing his retirement from the NFL, the debate about his Hall of Fame chances have begun.
Ragnow was undoubtedly one of the best centers of his generation, with the 29-year-old being voted to four Pro Bowls and getting three second-team All-Pro nods while also posting elite numbers in both pass protection and run-blocking.
However, as Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports points out, Ragnow isn’t a lock to become a Hall of Famer down the road.
Payton mentions the last center to be voted into the Hall of Fame, Kevin Mawae, as a shining example of why Ragnow isn’t guaranteed a gold jacket.
“The last center to go into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was Kevin Mawae in 2019,” Payton wrote. “A seven time All-Pro and 8 time Pro Bowler. He was on the ballot five times before getting in. I think Ragnow could get that gold jacket, but it might take a while. There’s only 21 centers in now.”
Mawae was one of the greatest centers to ever play the game and had one of the most decorated careers at the position. If he had a tough time getting in, Ragnow will, also.
The biggest thing working against Ragnow’s bid is the fact that he wasn’t able play a long time in the league. The former first-round pick spent seven seasons in the NFL before calling it a career due to physical issues.
“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” he said in his retirement announcement. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I’m not and it’s time to prioritize my health and my families future.”
On the flip side, Ragnow was no doubt on a Hall of Fame trajectory before retiring, and considering the fact that he still played at a high level in his final season, there’s no doubt he had enough good years ahead of him to seal the deal.
It would be a shame if his lack of career longevity ends up keeping Ragnow out, but it remains a possibility. That said, we firmly believe Ragnow will get there, although we agree with Payton that it could take some time.
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