By Sunday 
Josh Paschal’s journey back to the Detroit Lions isn’t just about football—it’s a story of resilience, faith, and the kind of grit that inspires fans both on and off the field. After missing an entire season to battle malignant melanoma, the Lions’ beloved pass rusher is finally back, kicking off his 21-day practice countdown on November 5. And for Detroit fans, this return couldn’t come at a better time.
The Lions are heading into a crucial matchup against the Washington Commanders on November 9, looking to bounce back from a heartbreaking 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams are hungry for a win, but while the scoreboard matters, Josh Paschal’s comeback reminds everyone that some battles are bigger than the game itself.
Paschal’s cancer scare wasn’t his first. Back in 2018, when he was a sophomore at the University of Kentucky, he had a mass removed from his foot. “It was nothing cancerous thankfully, praise God for that, but just had to take care of that,” Paschal shared at the time. Now, years later, he’s faced malignant melanoma on his shoulder—a non-cancerous growth, thankfully, but one that still required surgery and a careful recovery, especially given his history.
“I just thank the Lord that I was able to have Henry Ford, the hospital and the staff here at the Lions, just taking care of me and making sure I had the best care possible,” Paschal said, showing gratitude not only for his recovery but also for the support system around him.
The Lions recently shared an inside look at Paschal’s journey in the latest episode of Inside the Den, released as part of the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative. The video shows the care, determination, and resilience that brought him back from this off-field battle. “He couldn’t have had better treatment anywhere else,” the social post noted, highlighting the team’s commitment to his recovery.
Paschal won’t immediately return to game action. He will complete the full 21-day practice window before rejoining the 53-man roster—or possibly remain on the non-football injury and illness list, depending on timing. Either way, his return is a win for the team and a huge morale boost for fans.
This story is more than just a sports headline—it’s a reminder that triumph often comes in the moments we don’t see on the field. For Josh Paschal, the journey from off-field fierce victory to on-field battle is just beginning, and Detroit is ready to cheer him every step of the way.