John Cominsky Bio
John Cominsky is an American former professional football player who played as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). Born on November 22, 1995, in Barberton, Ohio, he starred in college football for the Charleston Golden Eagles before being selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft. Over the course of his professional career, Cominsky also played for the Detroit Lions, earning All-American honors and multiple conference accolades at the collegiate level. He announced his retirement from the NFL in March 2025, citing a series of injury concerns.
Early Life and Background
John Cominsky was born and raised in Barberton, Ohio, a small city located in Summit County near Akron. He grew up in a working-class community and attended Barberton High School, where he first developed his passion for football. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, Cominsky used his size and athletic frame to attract attention from college scouts despite playing at a smaller high school program.
Coming out of Barberton, Cominsky was rated as a three-star recruit and received interest from several college programs. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, joining a program in the Mountain East Conference (MEC). His decision to compete at the Division II level allowed him the opportunity to develop his game with significant playing time early in his college tenure.
Path to Professional Football
At the University of Charleston, Cominsky blossomed into one of the most dominant defensive players in the Mountain East Conference. He earned First-team All-MEC honors in both 2017 and 2018, demonstrating his consistency and impact along the defensive line. In 2018, he was recognized as the MEC Defensive Player of the Year, cementing his status as one of the conference’s premier defensive ends.
Cominsky’s senior-year performance also brought him All-American honors in 2018, validating his development as a prospect. Following the conclusion of his college career, he declared for the 2019 NFL draft, where his combination of size, strength, and pass-rushing potential made him an appealing mid-round target for professional teams.
John Cominsky Career
Early Career (2019–2021)
Cominsky was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round, 135th overall, of the 2019 NFL draft. As a rookie, he appeared in 10 games, recording 10 tackles and 0.5 sacks while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional level. He spent time rotating along the defensive line and on special teams, building experience behind veteran players.
In his second season, Cominsky faced an unusual challenge when he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Falcons on October 17, 2020. He was activated later that month and returned to action, eventually recording his first career sack on Derek Carr during a Week 12 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. He remained with Atlanta through the 2021 season before being released on May 26, 2022.
Detroit Lions Era (2022–2024)
On May 31, 2022, Cominsky was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions, quickly finding a role within the team’s defensive rotation. In his first season with Detroit, he played in 14 games with eight starts, finishing the year with 30 tackles, four sacks, and three passes defensed. His production marked a clear step forward in his development as a pass rusher and run defender.
Following his strong debut campaign with the Lions, Cominsky signed a two-year, $8.5 million contract extension on March 15, 2023, rewarding his contributions and locking him in as a key member of the defensive front. During the 2023 season, he appeared in 16 games with 11 starts, recording 36 combined tackles, one pass deflection, and two sacks.
The 2024 season proved to be the most difficult stretch of Cominsky’s career. On July 30, 2024, he suffered a torn MCL in his right knee during a practice, ruling him out indefinitely. He was placed on injured reserve on August 29 and was unable to return to the field. On March 31, 2025, Cominsky announced his retirement from the NFL, citing the cumulative toll of his injuries.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although he played on the defensive side of the football, Cominsky’s game reflected the kind of steady, technically sound approach valued at the professional level. Listed at 6 feet 5 inches and 285 pounds, he combined size with the quickness needed to pressure opposing quarterbacks. His ability to contribute against both the run and the pass made him a versatile piece along the defensive line throughout his NFL career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Cominsky’s first career sack, recorded against Derek Carr in a 43–6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, stands as one of the defining early moments of his professional journey. His 2018 All-American selection and MEC Defensive Player of the Year award also marked significant milestones, reflecting his growth from a small-town Ohio high school product into a nationally recognized college standout.
John Cominsky Career Stats
Across his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions, John Cominsky compiled 107 total tackles, 7.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and six pass deflections. His statistical impact grew during his time in Detroit, where he logged the bulk of his pass-rushing production.
John Cominsky Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public details about John Cominsky’s family background remain limited, with most verified information focusing on his hometown of Barberton, Ohio, and his upbringing in the region. His career path, from a small Ohio city to the NFL, has been a defining part of his personal story.
2025 Season Outlook
Although Cominsky had been under contract with the Detroit Lions through 2024, his torn MCL injury during summer practices prevented any on-field participation in 2024 and ultimately led to his retirement announcement in March 2025. With his departure from the league now official, his professional football career has concluded, and he transitions into life after the NFL.
