Dan Campbell Does Not Mind Detroit Lions Playing Ben Johnson

Two early matchups against NFC North Division adversaries are revealed in an early examination of the 2025 schedule of the Detroit Lions.

Detroit commences the season with a road game against the Green Bay Packers, followed by a confrontation at Ford Field featuring a well-known opponent.

Ben Johnson, the newly appointed head coach of the Chicago Bears, will guide his team into a hostile environment at one of the most challenging road venues in the National Football League during Week 2.

Fans are eagerly anticipating their initial opportunity to criticize Johnson, the former offensive coordinator of the Lions, and the Bears, who are striving to recover from a subpar 2024 season.

When asked by Lions OnSI whether he preferred the Bears game to be played that early or much later in the regular season, Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed indifference.

My attitude toward it is indifferent. Listen, we will place them in the location that you desire. Green Bay, Chicago, Minnesota, Baltimore, Kansas City, and the Rams are all located in this area. Campbell stated, “It is irrelevant.” “We are required to perform each one.” Additionally, we must be prepared to participate in each one. One week at a time. I anticipate the configuration.

This season, Detroit will be prominently featured in primetime. Campbell has frequently expressed his preference for competing at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, as opposed to at night.

“I enjoy both home and away games.” Campbell joked, “I enjoy the night games, but not as much.” This year, we have several one-o’clock start times, which is a positive development. However, we will be prepared, regardless of the circumstances. We must be prepared to depart, and we will be.

Frank Ragnow, the center for the Detroit Lions, has announced his retirement after seven seasons and four Pro Bowl appearances

DETROIT (AP)— Frank Ragnow, a Detroit center who was instrumental in the Lions’ revival under coach Dan Campbell, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, following seven seasons. Ragnow was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

Ragnow, 29, expressed on social media that he has attempted to persuade himself that he is in good enough health to participate, but he is not.

In 2018, Ragnow, who was drafted by the Lions in the 20th round, stated, “I have given this team everything I have and I thought I had more to give, but the reality is I simply don’t.” “This has been one of the most challenging decisions of my life, and I must listen to my body.”

Throughout his professional tenure, Ragnow persevered through numerous injuries. In 2021, general manager Brad Holmes made him the highest-paid center in the league with a $54 million, four-year extension, following a season in which he played with a fractured larynx.

In 2020, 2023, and 2024, Ragnow was awarded second-team All-Pro recognition. He was invited to his inaugural Pro Bowl in 2020 by his former coach, Matt Patricia, and subsequently participated in three consecutive games from 2022 to 2024.

Ragnow stated, “The past few months have been extremely challenging for me, as I have come to the realization that my football career is drawing to a close and I am officially retiring from the NFL.”. “The Lions organization has been incredibly supportive throughout this process, and I am incredibly grateful for the team and all of the fans.” It was an immense privilege to fight for you all.

On Monday, when asked about Ragnow’s retirement, Harrison Phillips, the eighth-year veteran defensive tackle for division rival Minnesota, gushed about him.

“He is one of the most exceptional centers I have ever had the opportunity to face,” Phillips stated. “I am aware that I was required to watch an excessive amount of additional footage and buckle my chinstrap extra tightly each time I faced him.”

Phillips said his teammates on the Vikings’ offensive line would often ask him for tips about Ragnow’s technique because his fundamental blocking abilities were so exceptional.

Phillips stated that “the manner in which he played was recognized by all players on both sides of the line of scrimmage.”