By Moses Joshua 
Veteran Center’s Retirement Leaves a Legacy and a Void for the Lions
A Career Built on Grit and Greatness
When Frank Ragnow announced his retirement from the NFL, it marked the end of an era for the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. The three-time All-Pro center, a four-time Pro Bowler, and perennial team leader, had been the bedrock of Detroit’s trenches since arriving in 2018 as a first-round pick out of Arkansas.
“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending,” Ragnow wrote in a heartfelt message to fans and teammates. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good but I’m not… I have to listen to my body.”
That body had carried the weight of Detroit’s offense through injuries and adversity. Despite battling a torn plantar plate in his foot since 2021—an injury deemed inoperable—Ragnow never stopped competing at the highest level. In fact, in 2024, he was graded as the NFL’s third-best center by Pro Football Focus.
In over 4,000 career pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just 8.5 sacks. Those numbers underscore the dominant presence he brought to the line each week, even while managing foot, back, knee, and ankle issues over his seven-year career.
Campbell: “The Train Rolls On”
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell was candid but reverent when addressing Ragnow’s departure.
“Frank’s been an unbelievable teammate, football player, and man in the community,” Campbell said. “He will be sorely missed.”
Still, Campbell made it clear that the Lions must move forward—with urgency and intent. “But this train goes on. Train rolls on and it’s the next man up,” he stated, echoing the hard-nosed mentality that has come to define his coaching style. “We’ve got guys.”
Among those “guys” are veteran Graham Glasgow, rookie second-round pick Tate Ratledge, and newly signed interior lineman Trystan Colon. Glasgow has 22 career starts at center and has been Ragnow’s understudy. Ratledge, drafted with the No. 57 overall pick, is being cross-trained at both guard and center. Colon, meanwhile, brings experience from stints in Baltimore and Arizona, including 11 starts at right guard and four at center.
Building for 2025 and Beyond
Detroit’s offensive line was the foundation for the team’s explosive offense in 2024, a unit that led the NFL in scoring. Replacing not only Ragnow’s on-field prowess but also his chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff is no small task.
“It’s different knowing Frank is out of the fold now,” Campbell admitted. “That’s where we’re at and now we grow. We need development, quickly.”
The Lions are placing their faith in offensive line coach Hank Fraley to mold a new anchor at center. Fraley, known for his ability to develop talent, will be crucial in getting young players like Ratledge and fifth-round pick Miles Frazier up to speed before the 2025 season kicks off.
A Legacy Cemented in Detroit
Ragnow leaves behind more than just accolades; he leaves a standard. His consistency, preparation, and leadership set the tone for Detroit’s resurgence in recent years.
“I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t,” Ragnow wrote.
As the Lions turn the page, his legacy will linger in every protection call and in the determined faces of the next generation of linemen ready to carry the torch.
And in the words of their head coach, “We will be ready to go when camp hits.”
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version, a social caption, or anything added or edited.