Detroit Lions' All-Pro center Frank Ragnow retires June 2025; Trystan Colon signed as replacement. How will this impact the Lions' 2024 season offense?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Well, Lions fans, the news we hoped wasn't true has hit hard: Frank Ragnow, the bedrock of our offensive line, has officially hung up his cleats. What many initially speculated was a contract holdout has been confirmed as retirement, marking the end of an era for one of the NFL's premier centers. But in a swift move, the Lions have already brought in Trystan Colon, who is now tasked with stepping into those massive shoes.
Losing a player of Frank's caliber is a huge blow, but the team's immediate signing of Colon shows a clear plan to maintain strength at a critical position.
The news of Frank Ragnow's retirement on Friday, June 6, 2025, sent shockwaves through the fanbase. After initial whispers of a potential contract dispute, the confirmation of his departure due to retirement closes the chapter on a truly dominant career. Ragnow wasn't just a player; he was an All-Pro leader and the linchpin of a formidable offensive line. Immediately addressing the void, the Lions announced the signing of Trystan Colon. Colon is now positioned as Ragnow's successor, a monumental task given Ragnow's impact. The focus now shifts to how Colon will integrate and if he can provide the stability needed to keep the Lions' offense firing on all cylinders. This transition will be a key storyline heading into training camp.
While the offensive line saw a major shake-up, there's promising news emerging from the defensive side of the ball. Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is reportedly making a strong impression during Organized Team Activities (OTAs). This is a welcome development, especially after Rakestraw was listed as questionable for Week 1 with a hamstring injury earlier in the week. His apparent quick recovery and positive performance are exactly what Head Coach Dan Campbell wants to see as he cultivates a competitive atmosphere. Rakestraw's development is particularly crucial for a secondary that battled significant injury woes last season. A healthy and impactful Rakestraw could be a game-changer for the Lions' defensive aspirations.
Friday brought a seismic shift for the Lions. Saying goodbye to a legend like Ragnow stings, no doubt. But the quick move for Colon shows a proactive approach, and Rakestraw’s emergence offers a dose of optimism. The landscape has changed, but the Honolulu Blue and Silver march on. Training camp just got a whole lot more interesting as we watch these new dynamics unfold.
