Frank Ragnow’s retirement marks the end of an era in Detroit, a period that saw the Lions emerge from mediocrity to championship contention
His toughness, leadership, and excellence made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history.
While his departure is a massive blow, the Lions are still poised to compete at a high level—if they can find answers quickly on the offensive line.
For now, fans will remember Ragnow not only as a great football player, but as a professional who gave everything to the game and walked away with dignity.
While the quarterback, receiver, and edge rusher positions get most of the headlines, the Lions’ center competition may be the most important position battle heading into the 2025 season.
The winner won’t just inherit a starting role — they’ll be entrusted with a critical leadership position on one of the NFC’s top contenders.
As of now, no clear favorite has emerged. Tate Ratledge has upside, Glasgow offers experience, and Niese has system familiarity. The preseason will provide a clearer picture, but one thing is certain: replacing Frank Ragnow is no ordinary task.
Whoever claims the job will need to earn it — both physically and mentally — to keep the Lions’ offense firing on all cylinders.
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Frank Ragnow’s Shocking Retirement Shakes the Detroit Lions
One of the NFL’s most consistent and powerful offenses suffered a stunning blow when Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow announced his retirement from professional football.1
The announcement came on a Monday morning and sent ripples across the league. A vital cog in the Lions’ offensive machine, Ragnow made the difficult decision to step away from the game due to persistent health issues.
“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 said in a heartfelt statement.
This marks the end of a remarkable seven-year career, filled with accolades and leadership, but also marred by injury. The Lions now face a future without one of their foundational players.
A Career Defined by Toughness and Excellence
Frank Ragnow was more than just a starting center—he was the heart and soul of Detroit’s offensive line.
Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Arkansas, Ragnow quickly emerged as one of the league’s elite centers. His combination of strength, agility, and intelligence made him indispensable.
In just seven seasons, he earned four Pro Bowl selections and was named to the Second-team All-Pro three times.
Despite numerous injuries—including a fractured throat in 2020 and recurring toe issues—Ragnow was known for playing through pain and setting the tone for a physical Lions offense.
A Devastating Loss for a Contender
This retirement comes at a time when the Lions are considered one of the top teams in the NFC.
They finished the 2024 season with one of the NFL’s most potent offenses, ranking second in offensive yards per game (409.5) and second in passing yards (263.2 per game). Ragnow was a key reason why quarterback Jared Goff stayed upright and running back Jahmyr Gibbs thrived.
“It’s massive. The Lions’ success over the last couple of years has really been inside out, starting with the offensive line,” said ESPN’s Mina Kimes. “Losing Ragnow, one of the best centers in football—this is a big, big loss.”
The Offensive Line: Foundation of Detroit’s Rise
Detroit’s offense has been built from the trenches out. Their dominant offensive line—which featured Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, and Ragnow—was widely regarded as one of the best in football.
That group provided the time and space for Goff to deliver deep strikes and for Gibbs and David Montgomery to punish defenses on the ground.
Ragnow was the centerpiece of that unit, making all the line calls, identifying blitz packages, and executing blocks with precision. His leadership was critical in creating cohesion up front.
Frank Ragnow: Life After Ben Johnson
More Pressure on John Morton
Ragnow’s retirement isn’t the only major change for the Lions’ offense this offseason.2
Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, ending his successful stint in Detroit.
The Lions promoted John Morton to offensive coordinator—a move that already represented a transition.
Now, Morton will have to adapt his scheme without Ragnow, and possibly re-evaluate protections, zone schemes, and cadence control at the line of scrimmage. The learning curve just got much steeper for both Morton and the offensive line.
Jahmyr Gibbs and the Run Game Without Ragnow
Running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a breakout 2024 season, rushing for 1,412 yards, which ranked fifth in the NFL.
Much of his success was due to the interior blocking led by Ragnow. Whether it was inside zone, trap plays, or gap schemes, Ragnow’s ability to seal blocks at the second level turned modest gains into chunk plays.
Without Ragnow, the Lions will need a capable replacement who can quickly develop chemistry with both guards and quarterbacks. If that doesn’t happen, the ground game could take a step back.
Detroit football and Detroit pizza? Doesn’t get much better than that! Shoutout to everyone who came out to the @LittleCaesars Pizza!Pizza!® Perfect Pass! #NFLDraft #PizzaPizza 🍕🏈 pic.twitter.com/3qxapihDag
— Frank Ragnow (@KNARFWONGAR) April 27, 2024
Potential Replacements: Who Steps Up?
Replacing an elite center like Ragnow is no easy task. The Lions have some options on the roster, but none are proven at his level. Graham Glasgow, who has center experience, may be asked to slide over, though he’s more comfortable at guard.
Alternatively, the Lions could look to free agency or make a trade before training camp. A few veteran centers could become available, but finding one who can replicate Ragnow’s command and chemistry with Goff is a tall order.
The 2025 NFL Draft could also be a long-term solution, but it doesn’t solve the immediate issue of cohesion.
Adjusting to a New Leader Up Front
Quarterback Jared Goff thrived behind a stable offensive line, throwing for 4,650 yards in 2024 with a 67.8% completion rate.
His pocket presence and confidence have been greatly aided by the protection up front—especially Ragnow’s ability to handle blitz calls and protections.
Now, Goff will be working with a new center, which affects snap timing, protection adjustments, and even cadence. These small nuances can make a big difference under pressure.
Frank Ragnow: Injury and the Human Element in the NFL
Ragnow’s decision to retire underscores the toll the game takes on players. Despite being in his athletic prime, he cited ongoing physical pain and the need to think about life after football.3
NFL fans often focus on stats and performance, but Ragnow’s words are a reminder that players are human beings, often pushing through pain in silence.
His choice to prioritize health and family is commendable, even if it comes at a high cost to his team.
A True Test of Depth and Coaching
The Lions still boast a talented roster with Pro Bowl players on both sides of the ball, but Ragnow’s absence introduces real challenges. The offensive line, once a pillar of consistency, now becomes a question mark heading into training camp.
New offensive coordinator John Morton and head coach Dan Campbell will need to rebuild trust in the line, develop young talent quickly, and possibly alter the offensive identity that thrived under Ben Johnson and with Ragnow anchoring the middle.
Leadership Void: More Than Just On-Field Impact
Beyond his talent, Ragnow was a locker-room leader and a respected voice within the organization.
He embodied the grit and resilience that head coach Dan Campbell values. His retirement creates a leadership void, especially for younger players on the offensive line.
Dan Campbell and his staff will need others—like Penei Sewell or Jared Goff—to step up vocally and emotionally to keep the unit united and focused.
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The Void Left by Frank Ragnow
Few NFL teams enjoy the luxury of elite consistency at the center position, but the Detroit Lions have had just that in Frank Ragnow.
Since being drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Ragnow has become a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line — earning Pro Bowl honors and cementing his reputation as one of the top centers in the league.
However, injuries and long-term health concerns have created uncertainty about his future availability.
With Ragnow’s status for future seasons in question, Detroit must now face the pressing task of identifying his successor.
Whoever steps in will be tasked not only with filling the void of an elite performer but also with maintaining chemistry and protection for quarterback Jared Goff.
Why Replacing Ragnow Won’t Be Easy
Ragnow isn’t just any lineman — he’s the glue that holds the offensive front together. Centers play a critical role beyond just snapping the football. They read defenses, call out protections, and anchor the interior line.
Ragnow’s intelligence, toughness, and leadership have set a high bar. His replacements will not only need to be physically capable but also mentally sharp.
In 2024, the Lions allowed 31 sacks on Jared Goff — not a league-worst number, but slightly up from the previous season. Without Ragnow, that number could climb unless Detroit finds a dependable presence to take his place.
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Tate Ratledge: A Developmental Prospect with Upside
One name already drawing attention is Tate Ratledge, the Lions’ draft pick out of Georgia.
Though primarily a guard in college, Ratledge has taken reps at center in offseason training camps, indicating the Lions may be grooming him for a larger role in the interior line.
Ratledge boasts a strong anchor and tremendous power, traits that bode well for interior line play. His experience in the SEC against elite competition also gives him a head start in terms of readiness.
However, his transition to center won’t be automatic — snapping the ball, managing line calls, and staying disciplined against elite NFL nose tackles is a tall order for any rookie.
Still, Ratledge’s versatility and work ethic make him a promising candidate for development, even if he doesn’t claim the starting center job in Week 1.
The Center-Quarterback Chemistry Question
One often overlooked factor in replacing a center is chemistry with the quarterback. Jared Goff and Ragnow had years to develop timing, snap consistency, and communication — things that don’t come easily with a new partner under center.
Any replacement will need to quickly form a rapport with Goff to avoid costly miscommunications or fumbled snaps.
That element could play a role in who ultimately gets the job — coaches may lean toward the player with the fewest mental mistakes, even if he’s not the most physically gifted.
Frank Ragnow: Detroit’s Offensive Identity Is at Stake
The Lions have built their offense around a strong run game and play-action — strategies that require dominance up front.
Ragnow was central to that formula. Losing him long-term, or being forced to rotate inexperienced players, could threaten Detroit’s offensive identity.
To maintain their NFC North dominance, the Lions need a center who can command the line of scrimmage.
Whether that player is a rookie learning on the fly or a veteran holding down the fort, Detroit’s ability to establish rhythm on offense may hinge on this decision.
Free Agency or Trade: Outside Help Still an Option
While internal options are being explored, the Lions’ front office could look externally for help if none of the in-house candidates prove ready.
Several veterans still available in free agency have starting experience at center, and a mid-camp signing isn’t out of the question.
Additionally, the trade market could heat up as other teams finalize their 53-man rosters.
Contenders often flip surplus offensive linemen for late-round picks — a move Detroit could pursue if Ratledge, Glasgow, and Niese don’t seize the role.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Thinking
Ultimately, the Lions must decide if they want a short-term plug or a long-term investment. Graham Glasgow offers a steady presence in the interim, allowing younger players like Ratledge and Frazier more time to develop.
On the other hand, thrusting a rookie into the starting center role could fast-track their development — but it comes with growing pains.
Head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson must weigh these trade-offs carefully. With a playoff window wide open, the wrong decision could derail offensive momentum.
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