Frank Ragnow caught everyone off guard this week when the All-Pro center announced he was stepping away from football. And while his absence is definitely a tough blow for the Detroit Lions offense, fans aren’t throwing in the towel on 2025 just yet.
A recent SB Nation Reacts survey showed that most fans still believe the Lions are among the NFL’s elite — even without Ragnow anchoring the line. About three-quarters of those polled said they still see Detroit as a top contender. A smaller group expects the team’s win total to dip a bit, while only a few think this closes the Lions’ Super Bowl window.
Despite some national chatter, Vegas oddsmakers aren’t panicking either. Detroit’s Super Bowl odds, playoff chances, and win total projections have barely budged since the news broke. That’s a good sign that expectations around this team remain sky-high.
Fans in the comments echoed a mix of emotions — from concern over losing their “warrior in the trenches” to confidence that the rest of the roster is strong enough to carry on. As one fan put it, “We’re not as dominant without Ragnow, but I still think we’ll run the table.”
Another fan summed up the vibe perfectly: “Shakier, but we’re still a top contender.”
Yes, losing Ragnow will sting — especially early in the season as the offensive line adjusts. But this team still has Jared Goff, Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and a deep roster that’s been built to withstand adversity. Detroit may be down one big name, but the mission hasn’t changed. The Super Bowl remains the goal.
Lions Fans React to Ragnow’s Retirement — Confidence Dips, But Hopes Stay High
