Dan Campbell lauded Frank Ragnow on Thursday with an emotional tribute days after the Lions center’s shocking retirement at the age of 29.

“Frank’s been amazing. As a teammate, football player, and community man, he’s excelled in every way,” expressed the Detroit head coach during a press conference, his voice filled with emotion.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Lions, announced his retirement Monday on Instagram. 

“I’ve been trying to convince myself that I’m okay, but deep down I know I’m not, and it’s crucial now to focus on my health and my family’s future,” he detailed in the post.

“I’ve dedicated everything I am to this team, and though I thought I had more to offer, the truth is I don’t. I must heed my body’s signals, and this has been one of the toughest choices I’ve ever had to make,” he added.

As he spoke about Ragnow on Thursday, Campbell referenced one play from Detroit’s 31-23 win over the Buccaneers in the 2024 NFC Divisional Round.

With the Lions facing a fourth-and-goal from the one-yard line and the game knotted at 10-10, Detroit ran it up the gut with running back Craig Reynolds for the go-ahead touchdown.

The play was a success due in large part to Ragnow, who managed to block one of Tampa Bay’s biggest defensive linemen after a painful collision with the lineman’s knee.

“It was huge,” Campbell said. “That’s the type of player he was.”

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Ragnow played seven seasons with Detroit, sticking by the franchise through its rise from NFC North bottom-dweller to Super Bowl contender. 

He dealt with a recurring toe problem during his career, which caused him to miss 13 games in 2021, and it flared up in 2022 as well.

Ragnow was a Pro Bowl selection in each of the last three seasons leading up to his retirement, and leaves a void for Detroit to fill on the offensive line as the team looks to contend for a championship this season.