Many NFL players might look at Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky with some envy. The 29-year-old pass rusher unexpectedly announced his retirement from the league on Monday, surprising many. However, his reason for stepping away from football at such a young age before injuries took their toll is one to respect.
“After six years in the NFL, I am officially retiring due to medical reasons,” Cominsky shared in an Instagram post. “I’m proud of the career I’ve had, but a series of injuries have made it impossible to continue playing.
“I want to thank the Atlanta Falcons for selecting me and giving me a chance as an under-the-radar DII prospect. Thank you to the Detroit Lions for claiming me off waivers, signing me to a second contract, and allowing me to showcase my abilities as a starter in the NFL.”
He also expressed gratitude to the front offices and coaches who believed in him. “Who would’ve thought a small-town Barberton, Ohio QB would end up sacking NFL quarterbacks?”
Cominsky was a key player on the Lions’ defensive line during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, recording 73 pressures, 52 hurries, and 15 quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus, before a torn MCL sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
The comment section of his Instagram post was filled with support from Lions fans and former teammates. Lions quarterback Jared Goff quickly commented with, “Congrats on the great career, brother.”
Cominsky joined the Lions one year after Goff was traded from the Los Angeles Rams. The season that helped Goff revive his career (4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, 7 interceptions) also marked Cominsky’s breakout year (14 games, 30 tackles, four sacks, three passes defensed).
Cominsky, a fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft, spent five seasons in the NFL—three with the Falcons and two with the Lions. Over 57 career games, he accumulated 107 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
