By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions are riding high after a historic 2024 season — but the celebration took an unexpected turn this week.
Just when the city was still buzzing from a 15-2 regular season and a second straight NFC North crown, longtime center Frank Ragnow delivered a curveball: he’s retiring. At just 29 years old, one of the most consistent and beloved players on the roster is stepping away from the game.
The Heart of the Line Calls It a Career
Ragnow wasn’t just a name on the roster. He was the Lions’ offensive line — the glue guy, the tone-setter, the protector. A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time second-team All-Pro, Ragnow anchored a line that made Detroit’s offense the most explosive in the league, leading all teams in points scored (33.2 per game) and giving quarterback Jared Goff the time he needed to operate.
Drafted 20th overall in 2018, Ragnow started all 96 games of his career and gave his all until the very end. For Lions fans, losing him feels like losing a foundational piece — and for Jared Goff, it’s even more personal.
Goff’s Tribute: “THE GREATEST ❤️”
Shortly after Ragnow announced his retirement, Goff took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute. Reposting Ragnow’s message, Goff added a simple but powerful caption: “THE GREATEST ❤️.” Sometimes, the fewer words, the deeper the meaning.
It’s clear their connection wasn’t just professional. Ragnow was Goff’s right-hand man (literally), and that bond between center and quarterback — the trust, the communication, the protection — isn’t built overnight. It’s forged in the huddle, at the line, under pressure. And for Goff, it’s now a hole that’ll be tough to fill.
A Historic Season, a Bittersweet Goodbye
The timing makes this harder to process. Goff is coming off his best year as a Lion:
- 4,629 passing yards
- 37 touchdowns
- 72.4% completion rate
All career highs in Detroit, and all done behind an offensive line Ragnow helped build. Together, they pushed the Lions to heights fans hadn’t seen in decades — including that unforgettable playoff win in early 2024 and a deep run to the NFC Championship Game the year prior.
Ragnow’s role in all of it? Massive. From leading the most diverse and efficient run-blocking scheme in the league to handling interior pressure in pass protection, his absence is going to be felt in ways that go beyond stats.
What’s Next for Detroit?
This is uncharted territory. With Ragnow gone and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler signing with Tennessee, Detroit suddenly faces real questions in the interior line — a spot that’s been a strength for years.
Second-round pick Tate Ratledge and versatile veteran Graham Glasgow are expected to compete at center, but as Goff and head coach Dan Campbell surely know, replacing Ragnow’s reliability and leadership won’t be easy.
Still, if this Lions team has shown anything over the past two seasons, it’s resilience. Goff has rebounded from his Rams exit to become a true leader in Detroit. The culture is strong. The offense is dangerous. And the expectations in 2025? Still sky-high.
But make no mistake — there’s a void in the trenches now. And no matter how you slice it, “77” will be missed.