Lions blindsided as offensive centerpiece shockingly retires from NFL

Frank Ragnow, an All Pro center for the Detroit Lions who had become an integral part to their top ranked offensive line, has announced his plans to retire from the NFL. The former first round draft pick for the Lions is only going to be 30 years old by the time the new season comes around, but he announced that he simply was not feeling 100 percent enough to continue his career.

The huge blow to the Lions' offensive line comes amidst news that Ragnow was reportedly also looking to get a new contract with Detroit, which is why it was speculated he was not in attendance to kick off OTAs this past week. Alex Anzalone, one of the team's key defenders, was also missing for the same reason.

But, no one could have expected Ragnow to just flat out retire. It didn't seem like head coach Dan Campbell had any idea this was where Ragnow was leaning based on how cool, calm, and collected he was with reporters when mentioning he had spoken to both Anzalone and Ragnow prior to OTAs.

Ragnow shockingly retires from NFL after 7 seasons with Lions

Ragnow leaves a huge hole on the Lions' offensive line, which makes their draft strategy feel a lot smarter by complete accident. They went heavily for filling up their trenches through the draft by taking Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier. Ratledge could very well have just earned a starting spot with this retirement news, and Frazier could feasibly compete for a role on the O-line as well.

Detroit can also rely on players like Graham Glasgow or Michael Niese to fill in for Ragnow, but it's going to force the team to rely on a rookie like Ratledge to slide into their spots if they move over to center.

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Ragnow was one of the league's best interior offensive linemen for years, making several Pro Bowl and All Pro appearances since being drafted by the Lions back in 2018. His Instagram post announcing the news makes it seem like there's a potential health reason as to why he's stepping away from the game. Hopefully, it's nothing too serious.

"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 returing 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 to listen to my boyd and this has been one of the hardest decisions of my life," wrote Ragnow on IG.

It's a tough decision, for sure, and hopefully this gives Ragnow the rest he needs.

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