Former Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday. Cominsky announced his retirement on social media, citing medical reasons.
In his retirement announcement, the veteran pass rusher thanked the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him in 2019, and the Detroit Lions for grabbing him off waivers and giving him a chance to show that he could be a starter. He also went out of his way to thank the coaches and front offices he worked with.
John Cominsky has announced his retirement on IG. pic.twitter.com/PdPbn8AEvl
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) March 31, 2025
The 29-year-old defensive end missed the 2024 season because of a torn MCL he suffered at a training camp in July. The former Charleston (WV) star spent the last three years in Detroit after they picked him up off waivers from the Falcons in 2022.
Cominsky immediately became an impact player on the d-line in Aaron Glenn’s scheme. He posted 30 combined tackles, 17 quarterback pressures, 12 quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, four sacks, three pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 14 games (8 starts).
After an eye-opening 2022 season, Cominsky was re-signed to a two-year, $8.5 million deal and got an opportunity to start a few more games (11) in 2023.
The former Falcons draft pick recorded 36 combined tackles, 12 quarterback pressures, eight quarterback hits, two sacks, and a pass deflection. Given the litany of injuries Detroit’s defense had this past season, the Lions could have used Cominsky’s skillset off the edge.
However, that never came to fruition as Cominsky was part of those injury woes that continued throughout the season.
Lions fans are sad to see the veteran defensive lineman walk away from the game at only 29, but for a D2 football player, he made the most of his opportunities. The fact that he got drafted was incredible, and becoming a rotational lineman and starter on a team playing in the NFC title game is something to marvel at.
With Cominsky hanging up his cleats, the Lions must find a way to fill his void. They need as much depth on the defensive line this upcoming season.