10 days after Frank Ragnow's retirement, Lions GM reveals challenge of replacing 4x Pro Bowler in Detroit
Detroit All-Pro center Frank Ragnow officially retired at the age of 29 on June 2, as his four-year extension signed in 2021 ended. The departure is still fresh in Lions general manager Brad Holmes' mind. He is still processing what it means, especially for Detroit’s offensive line and the soul of the locker room.
Holmes recently spoke about Ragnow’s career, leadership and the quiet toughness he brought to work daily.
“He is the best, man,” Holmes said on Thursday (17:30), via the"Green Light Podcast." “He’s the all-time warrior… Just a great human being, and he’s going to be sorely missed.”
He revealed that Ragnow will be remembered not only as a top performer and four-time Pro Bowler, but also because of how deeply embedded he was in the Lions’ cultural fabric.
“Sorely missed in our locker room because he fit everything that we were about," Holmes said. "I don’t know if you can just replace him, because it’s not just the player, it’s the person as well.”
Ragnow’s retirement wasn’t a complete surprise, as he was fighting an inoperable foot injury. Holmes admitted he didn’t know when the call would come; however, he acknowledged that Ragnow was battling to suit up each week.
"Eventually, your body just takes so much," Holmes said. "He's got a family too, man. You’ve got to think long-term."
Detroit's next challenge is to find someone who can do even part of what Ragnow did. This means identifying a player who can thrive in an offense built around Jared Goff’s freedom at the line of scrimmage.
Lions HC Dan Campbell reacts to Frank Ragnow’s retirement
Lions coach Dan Campbell shared his emotions as he addressed Frank Ragnow's retirement, calling it a loss that hits deeper than the football field.
“He’ll be sorely missed. He’ll be missed,” Campbell said on June 5, via NFL.com. "I’ve got all the respect for Frank Ragnow. I love him to death. I love you, Frank. Appreciate you.”
Ragnow’s departure has left a hole in the heart of Detroit’s camp. However, Campbell also expressed confidence in the depth and flexibility the Lions have built in the trenches.
“Man, this train goes on," Campbell said. "The train rolls on.”
Campbell named center Kingsley Eguakun as one of the players Detroit will look up to in the post-Frank Ragnow era.