Frank Ragnow is officially hanging up his cleats, and it’s hard to overstate how much he meant to the Detroit Lions.
At just 29 years old, Ragnow announced his retirement this week, citing lingering injuries and the need to prioritize his long-term health and family. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not,” he wrote on Instagram. “It’s time to listen to my body.”
Lions fans knew Ragnow as the quiet anchor of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. A three-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, he’s been one of the league’s top centers ever since Detroit made him a first-round pick in 2018. In over 4,000 pass-blocking snaps, he gave up just 8.5 sacks—total domination.
But behind that consistency was a guy playing through a ton of pain. A torn plantar plate in his foot back in 2021 never fully healed, and he’s dealt with back, knee, and ankle issues along the way. Still, he battled. He showed up. He led.
Now, the Lions face a new reality. They’re moving into the 2025 season with a new offensive coordinator and no Ragnow in the middle. Head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that while Ragnow will be sorely missed, the “train rolls on.” Guys like veteran Graham Glasgow and rookie Tate Ratledge are expected to compete for the job. The team also added Trystan Colon for depth, and second-year center Kingsley Eguakun is in the mix.
It’s a major transition—but it’s not panic time. The Lions have built up depth, and O-line coach Hank Fraley has a strong track record of developing talent. Still, there’s no replacing a guy like Frank Ragnow overnight.
Detroit’s offense led the NFL in scoring last season. Keeping that standard alive without their longtime leader at center will be one of the most important challenges of the year ahead.
Ragnow gave everything he had to the city and this team. And now, it’s up to the next man to carry that torch forward.
Ragnow Out, Next Man Up: Lions Begin Life Without Their Star Center
