The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with a bunch of changes along the coaching staff, but have the same nucleus of players returning.
That plays a role in why fans expect them to hit the ground running in 2025, but they were hit with a curveball on Monday. Center Frank Ragnow announced via his Instagram that he's retiring.
Frank Ragnow is retiring. His post on IG pic.twitter.com/zIfdWsmcUV
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) June 2, 2025
Frank Ragnow Is Retiring From the NFL
In his post, Ragnow wrote, "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. 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 families future."
Ragnow was a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. He developed into one of the best centers in the league, notching four Pro-Bowl appearances and three second-team All-Pro nods.
He was known for being a mauler in the run game with the athleticism to easily climb to the second level. During the 2024 season, he had an 85.3 overall grade (3rd among 64 graded centers), a 63.6 pass blocking grade (35th among 64 graded centers), and a 90.8 run-blocking grade (3rd among 64 graded centers).
Not having Ragnow out there will certainly have a negative impact on the Lions' offense. He started in at least 14 games in six of his seven seasons. Centers are typically the ones who call out blitzes and certain protections. That responsibility will now need to land elsewhere.
The Lions have had rookie Tate Ratledge and veteran Graham Glasgow take some reps at center during Ragnow's absence, indicating they knew this could have been a possibility.
Detroit will use the next couple of months to see who will step up to replace Ragnow, but it's clear as day that the loss of the 29-year-old will affect the Lions in 2025 and beyond.