Lomas Brown: Losing C. Frank Ragnow hurts. But here’s why he feels optimistic about the Lions.
When it comes to offensive line play, few voices carry as much weight in Detroit as Lomas Brown. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl champion, and longtime leader of the Lions’ trenches during his playing days, Brown knows exactly what it means to lose a key piece of an offensive line. So when news broke that Frank Ragnow would not be returning to anchor the Lions’ line in the 2025 season, it was met with disappointment across the fan base, and it stung just as deeply for Brown. Ragnow has been the emotional and physical center of Detroit’s resurgence under Dan Campbell, a relentless force of will and execution who gave the Lions confidence at the line of scrimmage on every snap. But even as Brown acknowledged the blow that Ragnow’s absence will be, he was quick to point out that it doesn’t mean the end of the line for Detroit’s upward momentum. In fact, Brown says this team is better equipped than ever before to weather a storm like this — and maybe even come out stronger.
Frank Ragnow’s departure doesn’t just affect X’s and O’s — it shakes the heart of the Lions’ offensive identity. He’s been a stalwart at center, and more than that, a leader who epitomized toughness by playing through a series of injuries that would sideline most players. He gave everything to the team, and Brown, a player who once did the same in the trenches, recognized and admired that kind of dedication. When speaking about Ragnow, Brown’s tone shifted slightly, from analyst to reverent peer. “It hurts. It really does,” Brown said. “You lose a guy like that, you don’t just replace him with the next man up. That’s not a plug-and-play position when the guy has been the engine of the line.” And yet, even with that level of loss, Brown found reason to believe.
Part of Brown’s optimism comes from what the Lions have built around Ragnow — an offensive line that has developed into one of the best units in the NFL over the past three seasons. Even without their centerpiece, the Lions still boast talents like Penei Sewell, Jonah Jackson, and Taylor Decker — players who not only excel at their positions but have grown together and fostered a chemistry that’s rare in the league. Brown noted that kind of cohesion can’t be underestimated. “These guys have been through battles,” he said. “They’ve faced adversity, and that’s when you see what you’re really made of. Losing Frank will test them, but I think it’ll also rally them.”
Brown also pointed to the depth that General Manager Brad Holmes and the front office have constructed as another reason for hope. In years past, the Lions often lacked viable backup options, particularly on the offensive line. Injuries often spelled disaster, forcing reshuffles that led to broken protection schemes and disrupted run games. But this Lions team, Brown emphasized, has built intelligently. From versatile backup linemen who’ve gained real snaps to younger players ready to seize their opportunity, the Lions aren’t empty at the position. “You need that depth in today’s NFL,” Brown explained. “You need guys who can play multiple spots and step in without the whole system falling apart. I think we have that now. We didn’t before.”
While losing Ragnow changes the equation in the middle, Brown emphasized that quarterback Jared Goff’s continued presence, maturity, and understanding of the offense will help stabilize the unit. Goff has shown improved poise and command under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Brown believes that partnership is crucial to guiding the Lions through difficult moments like this. “Jared’s been through enough now. He knows how to handle pressure, how to keep guys focused. He’s not going to panic because Frank’s out. That confidence is going to bleed into the rest of the offense.”
Brown also reflected on the leadership transformation within the Lions’ locker room, something that’s dramatically shifted under Dan Campbell. Where past Lions teams may have unraveled after a setback like this, the 2025 team has cultivated a resilient identity. Brown credits Campbell for instilling that edge and mental toughness. “These guys believe,” Brown said. “That wasn’t always true here. They believe they can win every time they take the field, and that comes from the top down. Dan has these guys bought in. So even if you lose a guy like Frank, you don’t lose that belief.”
Another reason Brown is bullish on the Lions’ prospects is the growth of the run game under assistant coach Scottie Montgomery and the emergence of Jahmyr Gibbs. Brown sees Gibbs not just as a flashy playmaker but a back who can control games and ease pressure on the offensive line. A running back who can hit gaps decisively and create yards after contact can help a line find its rhythm, and Brown believes Gibbs is that guy. “He’s electric, sure, but he’s also smart,” Brown said. “He knows how to read blocks, how to be patient and then explode. That’s what you need when the line is trying to gel without your best guy in there.”
Of course, the big picture for Detroit goes beyond just surviving without Frank Ragnow. Brown sees this as a test of whether the team is truly built to contend year in and year out. A true contender, he argues, can handle adversity and adapt without losing its identity. For decades, the Lions struggled to find that kind of consistency, often swaying with the smallest setback. But Brown believes the 2025 version of the team has reached a point of maturity where it can absorb a hit like this. “We’re not that fragile anymore,” he said. “We’re not waiting for things to go wrong and then fall apart. We’re expecting to overcome stuff now. That’s the biggest shift I’ve seen.”
That shift has a ripple effect throughout the organization. Brown mentioned the culture in Allen Park, the confidence in the fan base, and even the national perception of the Lions as signs that something sustainable is being built. For the first time in a long time, Detroit isn’t just hoping for success — it’s expecting it. Brown understands how dangerous that mindset can be if it’s unearned, but he doesn’t believe that’s the case here. He sees the foundation, the accountability, and the effort being poured in every week. “This team is for real,” Brown said. “You don’t go toe-to-toe with the best in the league, like they did last year, and come out of it thinking it was a fluke. They belong.”
Still, Brown doesn’t sugarcoat the challenge. He knows losing Ragnow means more strain on the guards, more pressure on protection schemes, and potential growing pains with communication. He understands that defenses will try to exploit the gap left by his absence, particularly with exotic blitzes and interior stunts. But he also believes the Lions have enough internal intelligence and coaching experience to make the necessary adjustments. “Ben Johnson is one of the best minds in football,” Brown said. “He’s not going to leave a hole in the middle and just hope it gets better. He’ll design around it. He’ll find ways to give help, shift protections, whatever it takes.”
And when Brown talks about the city of Detroit and what this team means to it now, you can hear the pride in his voice. He’s been part of the Lions’ long struggle — part of the frustration, but also part of the hope. Now, watching a team that reflects the grit and passion of the city, he sees something special. “Detroit’s always had heart,” Brown said. “But now we’ve got heart and a team that can back it up. That’s a dangerous combo.”
Even with Ragnow’s departure, Brown thinks the Lions are in position to contend in the NFC. He doesn’t believe they’ll skip a beat if the coaching staff and veterans do what they’re supposed to. He knows it won’t be easy, but he’s not worried about the fight. This team, he says, embraces the hard way. “We’ve been forged in tough times,” Brown said. “Now we’re finally ready to cash in.”
When asked what message he’d give to fans worried about the center position or questioning the Lions’ ability to match last season’s success, Brown was firm but reassuring. “Look, it’s okay to be worried,” he said. “It’s a big loss. But don’t let that fear make you forget what this team is. Don’t let it erase what we’ve built. We’re not going anywhere. We’re just getting started.”
In the end, Brown’s take is one born from both experience and belief. He’s seen great teams get undone by one injury, and he’s seen others rise through unity and preparation. He believes the Lions are the latter — not because they’re perfect, but because they’re resilient, focused, and hungry. Frank Ragnow’s absence will be felt, no question. But in the opinion of Lomas Brown, it won’t derail the vision. If anything, it may sharpen it. Because the Lions aren’t built around one man anymore. They’re built around a cause — one that’s bigger than any single player, even one as great as Ragnow. And that, Brown says, is why he’s optimistic.
