Jared Goff loses key teammate as Lions star makes major decision about his NFL future

The Detroit Lions are one of those NFL teams with serious aspirations of becoming title contenders once again. Unfortunately for Jared Goff and his teammates, one of the team’s biggest stars will no longer be able to join them on the field after making a major decision regarding his career.

Recent reports indicate that Frank Ragnow, a longtime defensive player for the team, has informed that he has decided to retire from professional football and will no longer be a member of the Lions.

The news was announced by Detroit’s longtime center himself, who shared the update on his official Instagram account with a heartfelt message about this new chapter in his career.

“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. 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.

Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions talks with Jared Goff #16 during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on August 21, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“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,” he stated via @frank_ragnow.

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How much do the Lions lose following Ragnow’s announcement?

Frank Ragnow’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Detroit Lions’ offensive line. Drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 20th overall pick, Ragnow quickly established himself as one of the league’s most reliable and physical centers.

A four-time Pro Bowler and three-time Second-team All-Pro, Ragnow was not only a force in the trenches but also a vocal leader in the locker room. His presence was especially vital for quarterback Jared Goff, providing stability and chemistry that helped anchor Detroit’s offense in recent seasons. Losing him leaves a major void both on and off the field.

While the Lions remain a strong contender in the NFC, replacing a player of Ragnow’s caliber won’t be easy. His retirement forces Detroit to rethink the core of its offensive line and look for leadership in new places as they aim to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.