“The Commish” is calling it a career as injuries are forcing him into an early retirement.
After six years in the NFL—-and most recent three with the Detroit Lions —defensive lineman John Cominsky is medically retiring from the NFL. He announced the news on social media.
Cominsky was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft , playing in 27 games (starting one) over his first three seasons in the league. In 2022, the Lions claimed him off waivers where his career blossomed. In his first season in Detroit, he played in 14 games, starting eight, and earned a two-year contract extension. In 2023, Cominsky elevated his game even further, playing in 16 games and starting 11 on his way to a career season.
Unfortunately, Cominsky suffered a torn MCL in his right knee during 2024 training camp and was forced to sit out the season on injured reserve. Lions coach Dan Campbell noted on multiple occasions that Cominsky was diligently working to return to the roster last season, but he was ultimately unable to get over that hurdle.
Cominsky noted in his retirement statement that it was a culmination of injuries throughout his career (including an MCL, ankle, shoulder, and wrist injuries) that led him to make this decision, but he was at peace with it thanks to the support of his family.
Though Cominsky was officially an unrestricted free agent, he made sure to thank the Lions and Falcons organizations for their support in helping him carve out a career in the NFL.
Here’s Cominsky’s full statement:
“After 6 years in the NFL, I am officially medically retiring. 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 DIl 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?
“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.
“Best of all, my marriage was strengthened and I had my two beautiful children. 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.”
We offer our congratulations on a great career and the best of luck in the future to John and his family.