By Mummy Grace The Detroit Lions were already facing a season of major change with both of their top coordinators — Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn — landing head coaching gigs. But now, just as the team gears up for training camp, they’ve been hit with another curveball: Frank Ragnow is retiring.
Ragnow, one of the league’s top centers and a four-time Pro Bowler, officially stepped away from football on June 2. At just 29 years old, he made the call to prioritize his long-term health — understandable, especially for a guy who once played with a fractured throat.
Still, his absence creates a major headache for the Lions. Not only did they lose right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency, but now they’re down their All-Pro center, and training camp battles are about to heat up across the offensive line.
Detroit has prided itself on building from the trenches, with first-round investments in guys like Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker. Now, three interior O-line spots are up for grabs — not ideal when you’re trying to protect Jared Goff and fuel a high-powered offense.
Rookie Tate Ratledge, drafted in the second round, is suddenly being looked at as a potential Day 1 starter at center — even though he played guard at Georgia. The Lions were already cross-training him in minicamp, but Ragnow’s departure pushes that plan into the fast lane.
Veteran Graham Glasgow will likely slide into Zeitler’s old role at right guard, while Christian Mahogany and Miles Frazier will compete for the final starting spot.
Detroit’s offensive line has been a cornerstone of their recent success. But now, with a revamped coaching staff and unexpected personnel changes, it’s a new-look group entering camp — and it’s a situation worth watching closely.
