By Blessing 
The Detroit Lions are heading into a new chapter without a key figure who helped anchor their recent resurgence — longtime center Frank Ragnow. In a move that caught many off guard, the former Arkansas standout officially announced his retirement, stepping away from the game despite still performing at an elite level.
Ragnow has been nothing short of a cornerstone on Detroit’s offensive line. With three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and back-to-back selections as a second-team All-Pro, his presence was both dominant and dependable. But even with all that success, Ragnow made the difficult decision to walk away, citing the need to listen to his body and prioritize his long-term well-being.
Head coach Dan Campbell spoke openly about the decision during an offseason press conference. He made it clear there was no tension behind the scenes — no contract disputes or locker room drama. Instead, the organization gave Ragnow the time and space he needed to come to his own conclusion.
“We knew he was contemplating it for a while, but there was never a yes or no, or whatever. We did our best to give him his space and let him sort it out, which he did,” Campbell explained.
Although the decision is tough for the team and fans alike, Campbell expressed nothing but admiration for Ragnow’s ability to make such a personal and courageous call.
“Whenever you know it’s your time, it is the right time, because it’s not fair to him or his teammates or anybody else,” he said. “I respect the hell out of him for the decision. It’s not easy to do, but he knows himself, and I will always respect that.”
With Ragnow’s departure, the Lions will face a major void at center — both on the field and in the locker room. But as Campbell made clear, the respect for Ragnow runs deep, and his legacy in Detroit is firmly intact.