Cover Photo by Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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The Detroit Lions must say goodbye to their veteran center Frank Ragnow, who retired today with a statement on Instagram. 

“These past couple 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 posted. 

The four-time Pro Bowl center continued that his physical health and family’s future must take priority. 

Ragnow continued, “I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.” 

Ragnow was the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee for the Lions. He played 96 games in his career over seven seasons after being selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 20th overall out of Arkansas.

Ragnow was selected to the Pro Bowl as recently as last season, and his 85.3 overall grade by Pro Football Focus will be difficult to replace, as he ranked 3rd among all Centers.

Ourlads.com has already updated its projection for the Lions’ depth chart at center, slotting in rookie second round pick Tate Ratledge as starter. Ratledge was drafted 57th overall out of Georgia. He stands six feet and six inches tall and weighs 308 pounds. 

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com characterized Ratledge as a “three-year starting right guard with a relatively safe floor, Ratledge plays with a dirt-dog mentality.” 

In a May 12 article on DetroitLions.com, Ratledge spoke of the coaches cross-training him at center and both guard spots. The original plan was to ease him in, but Ragnow’s retirement will add urgency and opportunity to Ratledge’s NFL start. 

“I’m glad I’ve had prior experience playing center so it’s nothing brand new to me. Coming back out there getting the feel for it.” 

“You have to say a lot more,” Ratledge said about playing center versus guard. “You have to know the safety rotations and stuff like that. At guard, most of the time you’re listening for the center to tell you where to go. At center, you’re telling everyone else where to go.” 

Highlights of the rookie can be seen on the Lions’ website. 

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Godspeed.