By Moses Joshua 
With Frank Ragnow’s sudden retirement, rookie Tate Ratledge may be handed the keys to Detroit’s offensive engine.
A Legacy Ends, A Door Opens
When Frank Ragnow announced his retirement earlier this week, it sent shockwaves across the NFL. A four-time Pro Bowler and centerpiece of the Detroit Lions’ offensive line, Ragnow was the heartbeat of one of the league’s most consistent trenches. Over seven seasons, he anchored the line through 100 games and accumulated accolades that many players only dream of—three Second-Team All-Pro nods, four Pro Bowl appearances, and a reputation as one of the most intelligent centers in the game.
But with his departure comes a critical question: Who replaces the irreplaceable?
Enter Tate Ratledge: Rookie With Big Shoes to Fill
The Lions may already have their answer in the form of rookie Tate Ratledge, selected 57th overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A former Georgia Bulldog, Ratledge is no stranger to pressure. With two National Championships and back-to-back All-American and All-SEC honors in his final two seasons, his college résumé speaks volumes.
Though he played right guard exclusively at Georgia, Ratledge’s skill set—toughness, football IQ, and poise—has made him a compelling option to slide into the center role. According to multiple reports, Ratledge has already begun cross-training at center, a move that began even before Ragnow’s retirement and has accelerated during rookie minicamps and OTAs.
His transition hasn’t gone unnoticed. When Ragnow missed OTAs, Ratledge received first-team reps at center, signaling the coaching staff’s belief in his potential to handle the pivot position.
Glasgow or the Georgia Grad?
Of course, Ratledge isn’t the only option on the table. Veteran Graham Glasgow remains a strong candidate to start at center. With over 2,000 career snaps at the position and a reliable track record, Glasgow offers familiarity and flexibility. Should the Lions go that route, Ratledge could easily slide into his more natural right guard role—a win-win scenario for Detroit.
But if the team prioritizes long-term development and sees Ratledge as the eventual anchor of the line, handing him the starting center job now could expedite his growth and create continuity for years to come.
High Stakes, High Ceiling
Replacing a franchise cornerstone like Ragnow is no easy task, but the Lions have built a culture that embraces bold moves and develops talent aggressively. If Ratledge proves he can handle the communication, recognition, and mental demands that come with playing center in the NFL, he could be the surprise successor Detroit didn’t know it was ready for.
As the summer heats up and training camp looms, all eyes will be on Tate Ratledge—a rookie with championship DNA, tasked with stepping into the spotlight left by one of Detroit’s greats. Whether at center or guard, one thing is clear: the Lions believe the future of their offensive line starts now.