As the Detroit Lions prepare for a crucial Week 10 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, November 9, the team’s attention isn’t only on improving their 5-3 record after a tough 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While winning is always the goal, the Lions are also celebrating the return of one of their most beloved players whose fight happened far away from the football field.
Josh Paschal’s Inspiring Comeback
Defensive end Josh Paschal is officially back at practice. On Wednesday, November 5, Detroit activated his 21-day practice window, marking his first steps toward a return after missing the entire previous season due to a health issue.
Paschal underwent treatment for malignant melanoma discovered on his shoulder. Although the condition was non-cancerous, doctors recommended removal as a precaution—particularly since Paschal has faced similar scares in the past. In addition to this, he’s also been working his way back from a back injury.
According to the Mayo Clinic, melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. Paschal first faced a similar diagnosis in 2018 during his time at the University of Kentucky, when doctors found a growth on his foot that was later removed.
“It turned out to be nothing serious, thank God,” Paschal shared back then, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “It took a bit longer to recover than I expected, but I’m grateful to be healthy and back helping the team.”
Paschal also expressed deep appreciation for the Detroit Lions’ medical staff and doctors at Henry Ford Hospital who oversaw his treatment. “I’m just thankful for the amazing care I received,” he said. “They made sure I had everything I needed to recover fully.”
A Look Inside His Recovery
The Lions recently highlighted Paschal’s journey in a new episode of “Inside the Den”, which premiered in late October as part of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative promoting early cancer detection and awareness.
“He couldn’t have received better treatment anywhere else,” a narrator explains in the team’s X (formerly Twitter) post accompanying a video detailing Paschal’s surgery, rehabilitation, and emotional return to the game.
While Paschal has resumed practicing, the team plans to take things slow. He’ll complete the 21-day ramp-up period before a final decision is made about whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him on the non-football injury/illness list a bit longer.
Paschal’s journey serves as a reminder that strength isn’t only measured by tackles and sacks—but also by the resilience to overcome life’s toughest challenges.
