By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions officially closed a chapter on Wednesday, as long-time center Frank Ragnow was formally placed on the reserve/retired list, confirming what many fans had hoped wouldn’t be true: his playing days are now behind him.
This move coincided with the return of rookies to the team’s facility, marking the beginning of a new era just as another ends. Ragnow, who had already shared the emotional news of his retirement via Instagram back in June, now sees it reflected in official NFL paperwork.
“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,” Ragnow wrote at the time. “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 family’s future. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.”
With the paperwork now filed, Ragnow’s departure opens up one spot on the Lions’ 90-man offseason roster. It’s worth noting that international player Ahmed Hassanein still occupies an exemption spot and doesn’t count toward that total.
In addition to Ragnow’s retirement becoming official, the team made another subtle move—cornerback Divaad Wilson was released from injured reserve through an injury settlement. Wilson, who joined the Lions on June 2, suffered a knee injury shortly after signing. Just two days later, he was waived and placed on injured reserve, where he’s remained until now.
Because he was already on IR, Wilson didn’t count against the 90-man roster. So, while his departure doesn’t free up another slot, it does leave the door open for a potential return. Per NFL rules, a player can re-sign with the team after the duration of their injury settlement plus three additional weeks.
As the Lions gear up for training camp, Ragnow’s absence will be felt both on the field and in the locker room. His leadership and grit helped shape the identity of this team—and now, the Lions must fill both a roster spot and a leadership void.