He operated as a Lions starter immediately upon arrival, but for the first time in seven years, the team will be without his services, a spell which included six years at center.

Detroit center Frank Ragnow, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who was key to coach Dan Campbell’s Lions revival, has announced his retirement from the NFL.

The Detroit Lions lost another star to early retirement. Four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow announced Monday he's retiring after seven NFL seasons, and he now joins the likes of Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson as top-tier Lions to walk away from the game early.