When Frank Ragnow suddenly retired, his Detroit Lions teammates were quick to share just how much he meant to the team. Dan Skipper, who’s known Ragnow since their college days at Arkansas, called his retirement “a tremendous loss.” Skipper talked about how tough and dedicated Ragnow was — both on and off the field — and how big a role he played in turning the team around.
Even though Skipper hadn’t talked to Ragnow since the announcement, he said the center had already told the team privately before going public. Other players like Amon-Ra St. Brown admitted they wished Ragnow would play for years more, but they respected his decision to step away from the game he loves.
Ragnow was a rock at center for the Lions, playing 100 games over seven seasons and rarely missing time despite dealing with injuries. The team’s already looking ahead, bringing in new young players like Tate Ratledge, Miles Frazier, and signing Trystan Colon-Castillo to fill the big hole Ragnow leaves behind.
Coach Dan Campbell put it simply: “This train rolls on. It’s the next man up.” But it’s clear everyone knows replacing Frank won’t be easy.
The End of an Era: Lions Share Emotional Tributes to Frank Ragnow
