This is the very last thing that Detroit Lions fans wanted to hear today. All-Pro center Frank Ragnow has informed the Lions that he plans to retire from football and will not be playing during the 2025 season. Here is the message he put on his Instagram page:
"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. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t. 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."
Ragnow was the 20th pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and was just amazing for the Lions for the last eight seasons. He made three All-Pro teams and four Pro Bowl teams. Unfortunatley, he never got to play in the Super Bowl with the Lions, but was a massive piece of the team being as good as they've been in the last few years.
There were recent rumors that Ragnow was looking for a new contract when he didn't show up to OTAs, but none of that was ever really confirmed by Ragnow, and we may never really know if there was anything to that.
The selection of Tate Ratledge in the 2025 NFL Draft is now a super important move of the offseason for the Lions, and he's likely to be to guy who takes over the role for the future. Ratledge has already been taking snaps at center since rookie mini-camp.
Other names to watch there are Graham Glasgow, Kinglsey Eguakun, and Michael Niese. All have played center or taken snaps at center for the Lions.
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