As the Detroit Lions usher in a fresh wave of talent with the arrival of their rookie class at training camp, the organization also bid a heartfelt farewell to one of their most respected veterans. On Wednesday, the Lions officially placed center Frank Ragnow on the reserve/retired list, cementing his departure from the NFL after seven seasons of dedicated service.
Ragnow’s retirement announcement wasn’t a surprise—he initially revealed his decision in an emotional Instagram post back in June. Still, the move became officially recognized by the league this week. The former first-round pick out of Arkansas has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ offensive line since being drafted in 2018, and his presence on the field will be deeply missed.
In his June post, Ragnow opened up about the emotional and physical struggles that led to his decision. “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,” he wrote. “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. I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.”
Throughout his career, Ragnow was known not only for his grit and technical skill on the field but also for his leadership in the locker room. A fan favorite and a team-first player, he often played through injury and always placed team success above personal accolades. His toughness was never in question—he famously played through a fractured throat in 2020—and that resilience earned him admiration across the league.
Ragnow’s decision to walk away was clearly not taken lightly. The 28-year-old has dealt with multiple lower-body injuries in recent seasons, including nagging toe and groin issues that required surgical intervention. While he tried to push through, his statement highlights the toll professional football can take on a player’s body—and mind.
The Lions, for their part, are moving forward with both gratitude and pragmatism. While replacing a player of Ragnow’s caliber isn’t easy, Detroit has spent the last few seasons developing depth along the offensive line, one of the team’s greatest strengths. It’s likely that Graham Glasgow, who filled in at center during past injury stretches, will be the first in line to step into the role.
In conjunction with Ragnow’s move to the reserve/retired list, the team made a minor roster adjustment, though specifics of that move were not heavily emphasized. The transaction marks the beginning of a transitional period for the offensive unit, one that must now evolve without one of its most reliable anchors.
As training camp begins in earnest, the Lions are faced with the duality of excitement for the future and reflection on a key player’s departure. Ragnow’s contributions won’t be forgotten, and his legacy in Detroit—both as a player and as a person—will endure.
While the franchise moves on, so too does Frank Ragnow, stepping into the next chapter of his life with his health and family as his top priorities. For Lions fans and teammates alike, it’s a moment of gratitude for all he gave, and well wishes for the journey ahead.