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Detroit Lions Star Frank Ragnow Shocks NFL by Retiring at 29 to Prioritize Health and Family

Four-time Pro Bowl center ends remarkable seven-year career, leaving a massive gap for the Lions’ offensive line

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Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow waves to fans during a game, marking the end of a remarkable seven-year NFL career.

In a surprising announcement that has sent ripples through the NFL community, Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow declared his retirement from professional football at just 29 years old. The four-time Pro Bowl selectee took to social media Monday to share a heartfelt message, revealing that his decision comes after months of wrestling with the reality that his body can no longer keep up with the grueling demands of the sport.



“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,” Ragnow wrote on Instagram. “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 family’s 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.”

Since being drafted in the first round by the Lions in 2018, Ragnow emerged as one of the league’s premier centers, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2020, 2023, and 2024, and consistently proving himself as a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense. Known for his relentless toughness, Ragnow battled through a litany of injuries over his seven seasons—ranging from a fractured throat to severe toe injuries, concussions, and a partially torn pectoral muscle in 2024—yet rarely missed a start. His grit and resilience even earned him the title of the highest-paid center in the NFL at one point, with a lucrative $54 million, four-year extension awarded in 2021.

Detroit’s general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have lauded Ragnow’s stubborn determination and leadership, with Campbell affectionately describing him as “tough” and “hard-headed” for playing through injuries that would bench most players. But the reality of his physical toll is now undeniable, prompting Ragnow to step away from the game to safeguard his long-term health and focus on his family’s future.

Frank Ragnow


Ragnow’s departure leaves a significant void at the heart of the Lions’ offensive line. The team will look to rookies Tate Ratledge and Miles Frazier, both guards drafted recently, to fill the gap. Ratledge, notably, has been cross-training at center during offseason activities, signaling the Lions’ plans to groom him as Ragnow’s successor. Veteran Graham Glasgow, who has snapped over 2,600 plays at center in his career, also remains a potential option to stabilize the line. The Lions will need all hands on deck to maintain their offensive momentum as they prepare for the upcoming season.

For a player who started all 96 games in his career, consistently anchored the offensive front, and earned the respect of teammates and fans alike, Ragnow’s retirement marks the end of an era for Detroit. His dedication and perseverance have set a high standard for those who follow.

“Lions organization has been absolutely incredible throughout this process and I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am for this team and all the fans,” Ragnow added. “It was an absolute honor going to battle for you all.”

As the Lions brace for life without their stalwart center, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the franchise adapts to this major transition.

Personality

Merab Dvalishvili Net Worth Skyrockets After UFC 316 Victory Over Sean O’Malley

From Georgian wrestler to UFC bantamweight champion, Merab Dvalishvili’s rise has also brought impressive financial gains

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Merab Dvalishvili
UFC Champion Merab Dvalishvili celebrates a massive win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 316, a victory that adds millions to his rising net worth.

Merab Dvalishvili is no longer just the name of a UFC champion — he is now a bona fide star in the mixed martial arts world, with a rapidly growing fortune to match. Following his dominant performance at UFC 316 against Sean O’Malley, the Georgian fighter’s net worth is now a hot topic in combat sports circles.

Merab Dvalishvili:

According to several reports and estimations from sports finance platforms, Merab Dvalishvili’s current net worth is believed to be between $2 million to $3.5 million USD, a figure that continues to climb with each main event appearance and endorsement deal. His impressive UFC run — now boasting 13 consecutive wins — has positioned him not just as a dangerous athlete, but a valuable asset to the UFC brand.

The bantamweight champion first made waves in the Octagon through his grinding wrestling and cardio-heavy fighting style, earning the nickname The Machine. But it wasn’t until his title win over Sean O’Malley at UFC 306 and the recent rematch submission at UFC 316 that his earnings truly spiked. As per combat sports insiders, his purse for UFC 316, including fight bonus, base pay, and sponsorships, could be in the ballpark of $500,000 to $750,000, not including potential PPV points.

Merab Dvalishvili

The Georgian sensation, known for his humility and intense discipline, has consistently invested in his training and personal growth. He trains out of the esteemed Serra-Longo Fight Team in New York, a gym known for producing elite-level talent. His strong connection to both his homeland and the American MMA circuit has also opened doors to endorsement deals, including gear sponsors and fitness brands, which further pad his income.

Outside the cage, Merab’s appeal is growing. While not as flashy as some of his rivals, his underdog narrative, grounded personality, and inspirational post-fight speeches have made him a fan favorite. His social media following has seen a surge since becoming champion, offering more opportunities for monetization.

With a potential title defense against Cory Sandhagen looming, and his name climbing up the pound-for-pound rankings, financial analysts in the MMA world speculate that Dvalishvili’s net worth could easily cross $5 million by late 2025 — especially if he continues to headline PPV events and secure Fight of the Night or Performance bonuses.

The UFC bantamweight king may not be one to flaunt his riches, but his journey from a struggling Georgian immigrant to a millionaire UFC star is nothing short of inspirational. As he said after UFC 316, “It doesn’t matter what you have, as long as you know where you’re going.” Clearly, Dvalishvili knows — and that direction is upward, both in rankings and riches.

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UFC

Merab Dvalishvili Chokes Out Sean O’Malley in UFC 316 Masterclass to Cement His Legacy

The UFC bantamweight king silences all doubts with a dominant third-round submission over rival Sean O’Malley at the Prudential Center

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Merab Dvalishvili
Merab Dvalishvili celebrates his third-round submission victory over Sean O’Malley in the main event of UFC 316 at the Prudential Center.

The wait for a conclusive end to one of the UFC’s most anticipated rivalries came to a thunderous close Saturday night, as Merab Dvalishvili submitted Sean O’Malley in the third round at UFC 316. With this definitive win, Dvalishvili not only retained his bantamweight title but also reinforced his growing legend in the octagon.

Held inside the packed Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, the fight was billed as a high-stakes rematch. Their first clash at UFC 306 ended in a unanimous decision, but many felt O’Malley still had cards left to play. This time, however, the Georgian powerhouse made sure there was no ambiguity. The reigning bantamweight champion walked into the cage with a singular mission — and walked out having delivered a flawless, crushing performance.

The UFC champion overwhelmed his flashy opponent with relentless pressure, mixing calculated striking with explosive grappling. From the first bell, he took away O’Malley’s usual rhythm, smothering the former champ and cutting off his flashy striking game. Dvalishvili’s takedowns were textbook execution, and it was his fifth successful takedown that led to the fight-ending D’Arce choke at 4:42 in Round 3.

This victory marks the 13th straight win for the relentless 135-pounder, tying him for the fourth-longest streak in UFC history — a feat that places him among the greats. The bantamweight phenom has now successfully defended his belt twice, with his first defense coming against Umar Nurmagomedov earlier this year. He is now set to face top contender Cory Sandhagen, who recently dispatched Deiveson Figueiredo with clinical precision.

The former titleholder, often dubbed “The Suga Show,” was humble in defeat. Having recently recovered from hip surgery and stepping into the cage as a new father, O’Malley showed heart but was simply outmatched. The UFC statistics told the story bluntly — Dvalishvili outlanded O’Malley 135 to 34 in total strikes and controlled nearly every aspect of the fight.

After the match, the Georgian warrior delivered an emotional message to fans: “I just work every day and repeat. Training is number one for me. Please believe in your dreams and work for them. Everything is possible.”

Despite the loss, the flamboyant striker maintained his signature composure in the post-fight octagon interview, calling Dvalishvili “a motherf—er” with a mix of admiration and resignation. “I didn’t feel like it was going to go like that,” he admitted. “But I’m excited to go home to my kids and my perfect wife.”

With back-to-back wins over elite contenders and a complete shutout over one of the UFC’s biggest names, Dvalishvili is no longer just the bantamweight champion — he’s a serious pound-for-pound force. Currently ranked No. 4 globally, he continues to climb, one takedown and one dream at a time.

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Sports

Alzarri Joseph Net Worth 2025 Revealed: West Indies Speedster’s Wealth Hits New Heights

From IPL debut to multimillion-dollar deals—how Antigua’s fast bowling ace Alzarri Joseph amassed an $11.3 million fortune

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Alzarri Joseph unleashes thunderbolts on the pitch—his rise to fame paralleled by a sharp rise in net worth and global appeal.

Alzarri Shaheim Joseph, the towering Antiguan pacer who burst onto the scene with a record-breaking IPL debut, has built an impressive financial empire. As of mid‑2025, his estimated net worth stands at US $11.3 million (₹93.66 crore), cementing his place among the wealthiest West Indies cricketers

Alzarri Joseph (Antiguan Cricketer)



Joseph’s monetary ascent is fueled by a varied income stream: a central contract with Cricket West Indies, lucrative match fees across international formats, and major franchise league deals. Highlights include IPL contracts with Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and RCB—capped by a staggering ₹11.5 crore ($1.38 million) deal in 2024 . The Antigua News Room confirms his cumulative wealth, including an extra $1.3 million from league fees, reaching $11.3 million

Alzarri Joseph



Joseph also commands a strong regional brand presence. He is associated with sponsors like Nike, Coca‑Cola, Pepsi, and Deluxe Sports Company, boosting his off-field earnings . His passion for luxury is evident in his car collection, which includes a Mercedes S-Class, BMW X5, and Lamborghini Huracan

At just 28, the fast bowler has secured a solid financial foundation. With continued IPL success and international stardom, his net worth shows every sign of further growth—cementing his status as both a cricketing powerhouse and lucrative personal brand.

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