ALLEN PARK — The Detroit Lions knew All-Pro center Frank Ragnow was considering retirement for “a while” and were adamant that his decision had nothing to do with the pursuit of a new contract.

That is all according to head coach Dan Campbell, who spoke to reporters Friday for the first time since Ragnow announced his retirement on Monday. Campbell denied a report that Campbell was looking for a new contract prior to announcing his retirement, and said suggesting otherwise is “disrespectful.”

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Ragnow, 29, blindsided fans and the general public with his retirement announcement earlier this week, but the team was aware he was contemplating the decision. Campbell said he counseled Ragnow as the center went through his process.

“We knew he was contemplating it for a while,

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