The 29-year-old Detroit Lions defensive end shocked fans and teammates alike by announcing his retirement on Monday. However, his reasoning—choosing to step away before injuries dictated his future—earned widespread respect.
“After six years in the NFL, I am officially medically retiring,” Cominsky wrote on Instagram. “I’m proud of what I accomplished, but the accumulation of injuries has outweighed my passion to keep playing.
“Grateful to the Atlanta Falcons for taking a chance on a Division II prospect like me. Thankful to the Detroit Lions for picking me up off waivers, giving me a second contract, and allowing me to prove myself as a starter.
“Appreciate all the coaches and front office members who believed in me. Who would have thought a small-town quarterback from Barberton, Ohio, would end up taking down NFL QBs?”
Cominsky played a key role in Detroit’s defensive front during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, contributing 73 pressures, 52 hurries, and 15 quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, a torn MCL sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
Fans and teammates quickly flooded his Instagram post with support, including Lions quarterback Jared Goff, who was among the first to respond.
“Congrats on the great career brother,” Goff commented.
Cominsky became a Lion just a year after Goff arrived in Detroit following his trade from the Rams. Their standout seasons coincided—Goff threw for 4,438 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2022, while Cominsky recorded 30 tackles, four sacks, and three pass breakups in 14 games.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, Cominsky spent five seasons in the league—three with Atlanta and two with Detroit. Over his 57-game career, he posted 107 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six passes defended, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
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