DETROIT – One of the anchors of the Detroit Lions, center Frank Ragnow, announced his retirement on Monday.
“These past couple of months have been very trying as I’ve come to the realization that my football journey is ending, and I’m officially retiring from the NFL,” Ragnow posted on Instagram. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not, and it’s time to prioritize my health and my family’s future.”
Ragnow has been one of the best centers in the league since the Lions picked him in the first round of the 2018 draft.
He’s played 96 games in the Honolulu Blue over that span, making four Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro Second Team honors three times.
“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. “I have to listen to my body, and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life.
“The Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process, and I can’t emphasize this enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans. It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”
There have been rumblings about a possible Ragnow retirement over the past couple of offseasons, mostly because he’s played through so many nagging injuries.
Now the Lions will have to fill another major void along the offensive line, which has been the heartbeat of an explosive offense. Kevin Zeitler left via free agency and both Graham Glasgow and Taylor Decker struggled at times in 2024.
The Lions have a foundational piece in tackle Penei Sewell, but they’ll be looking to fill in the gaps along the rest of the line.
Fortunately, general manager Brad Holmes has prioritized that position group in the past two drafts. He selected Giovanni Manu in the fourth round and Christian Mahogany in the sixth round last year, and then Tate Ratledge in the second round and Miles Frazier in the fifth round this year.
Detroit was the best team in the NFC with a 15-2 record last season, and this organization is squarely in the middle of a Super Bowl window. The offensive line will be a critical unit to watch as the 2025 season approaches.
