By Blessing 
Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky has officially announced his medical retirement from the NFL. Taking to social media on Monday, Cominsky revealed his decision to step away from football after six seasons, citing accumulated injuries that have made it impossible to continue playing. His departure follows a tough 2024 season in which he was sidelined entirely due to a torn MCL.
Cominsky began his professional journey with the Atlanta Falcons, who selected him as the 135th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Before making it to the big leagues, he honed his skills playing college football at Division II Charleston. After three seasons in Atlanta, the Detroit Lions claimed him off waivers, providing him with a fresh opportunity to prove himself on the field.
Reflecting on his career, Cominsky shared an emotional farewell on Instagram. “After 6 years in the NFL, I am officially medically retiring,” he wrote. “I am proud of the career I had, but have accumulated a combination of injuries that are overwhelming my desire to continue playing. Thank you to the Atlanta Falcons for believing in me and drafting an under-the-radar DII prospect. Thank you to the Detroit Lions for grabbing me off waivers and giving me a second contract and allowing me to show what I can do as an NFL starter. Thank you to the front offices and coaches that helped build me up and believed in me. Who would have thought a small-town Barberton, Ohio QB would find his way to sacking NFL QBs?”
His time in the league offered him invaluable experiences, from playing on some of football’s biggest stages to meeting athletes he had admired growing up. Cominsky expressed deep gratitude for these moments, sharing, “I learned a lot in my time playing ball, that will absolutely benefit me moving forward. I had the privilege to play in a lot of big-time games on big-time stages. I shared the field with players I had admired as a young athlete. I shook hands with Hall of Famers and met some of the best men and women on this planet. I walked into NFL stadiums that I had never been to before, not to watch a game but to play. I shared conversations with people from all over the world, who gave me valuable perspectives which has helped me see the world in ways I may never have. I leaned into God and found a firm foundation in His will and protection.”
As he steps into a new chapter, Cominsky looks forward to dedicating more time to his family. He highlighted the personal milestones he reached throughout his career, emphasizing how they gave him strength. “Best of all, my marriage was strengthened and I had my two beautiful children,” he said. “Each coming at perfect times in my career, bolstering me to the finish line. I walk away with my family in mind and therefore, have found peace in this difficult decision. Time marches on.”
With his playing days behind him, Cominsky embraces the future with gratitude, knowing that football has given him memories, lessons, and a foundation that will guide him in whatever comes next.