The Detroit Lions are reportedly set to lose a key member of their offensive line, center Frank Ragnow.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Ragnow has informed the Lions that he plans to retire ahead of this season.
"Sources: Lions All-Pro and Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, one of the game’s best, has informed the team he plans to retire. A stellar career comes to a close," Rapoport wrote.
Ragnow has since confirmed that he does indeed plan to retire via a post on Instagram.
"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," Ragnow explained. "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, 29, has battled an "inoperable" toe issue during his career and it sounded like he might hang up his cleats after the 2023 campaign. However, not only did Ragnow play in 2024, he made it sound like he would play for multiple more seasons.
There was some thought that Ragnow's absence from OTAs was contract-related, but clearly it was much more than that.
A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time second-team All-Pro, Ragnow retires at the top of his game after becoming one of the elite centers in the NFL during his career. He will most certainly be remembered as an all-time great in Lions history.
So, where do the Lions go from here?
Well, the team has been rotating guards Graham Glasgow and 2025 draft pick Tate Ratledge at center in the wake of Ragnow's absence from OTAs.
Glasgow should be considered the favorite to play at center, as he has much more experience than Ratledge. The veteran lineman has 2,611 career snaps at center, including over 240 over two seasons in Detroit.