Lions Fans React to Frank Ragnow's Retirement

Fans express surprise at Ragnow's decision to retire after seven NFL seasons.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) shares an embrace with center Frank Ragnow (77). | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions are losing a key pieces of their offensive line, as Frank Ragnow announced his retirement from the NFL after seven seasons.

Ragnow departs as a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time second-team All-Pro. His absence leaves a major vacancy in the middle of Detroit's offensive line. He started all 96 games that he appeared in throughout his career.

In his decision to retire, Ragnow cited the numerous injuries he's had to overcome over the past several seasons. Among them are a turf toe injury that sidelined him for much of the 2021 season, a fractured throat in 2020, a partially torn pec in 2024 and a number of ailments that limited him throughout the 2023 campaign.

Ragnow had not been with the team at organized team activities or throughout the offseason workout program, leading to reports indicating that he was unhappy with his contract.

While he was absent, the Lions had been repping veteran Graham Glasgow and 2025 second-round pick Tate Ratledge at the center position with the first team offense.

MORE: Lions Frank Ragnow Announces Retirement From NFL

For his toughness and personality, Ragnow has cultivated a sterling reputation around the league amongst teammates and peers in the NFL.

In the wake of his retirement, several current and former teammates took to social media to react to Ragnow's decision.

Current and former Lions, including Darius Slay, Julian Okwara, Craig Reynolds, Jamaal Williams and David Montgomery react to Frank Ragnow’s retirement. @DetroitPodcast pic.twitter.com/IBjgFZtzAY

— Christian Booher (@CBooher_) June 2, 2025

Predictably, Ragnow's retirement solicited a strong reaction from current and former teammates on social media.

Here is a sample of the online reaction to Ragnow's retirement on Monday.

That’s why you drafted mahogany, Frazier and Tate ratledge they knew this was coming sooner rather than later. Four preseason games looks more like blessing now than it did earlier

— Sean Pardue (@SeanPardue) June 2, 2025

Replacing an All pro with potentially a rookie is going to be a really tough transition

— Joshua Fisch (@Fisch484) June 2, 2025

Best wishes to Frank in retirement. Decker soon to follow. Just highlights fans frustration with the perceived lack of urgency. Clocks ticking…

— Hip_Hopsince85 (@thatsChristianG) June 2, 2025

Surprise but not shocked because people had to knew that the writing was on the wall with frank.

— dante151 (@dante017) June 2, 2025