John Cominsky

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 played college football for the Charleston Golden Eagles. In the 2019 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the fourth round with the 135th overall pick. Over his professional career, Cominsky played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Detroit Lions, compiling notable statistics before retiring in 2025 due to injury. He earned All-American honors and multiple conference accolades during his collegiate career at Charleston.

Early Life and Background

John Cominsky grew up in Barberton, Ohio, where he attended Barberton High School. During his high school years, he developed as a football player, establishing himself as a talented defensive lineman. His performance at the high school level laid the foundation for his pursuit of collegiate football at the next stage of his career.

Path to American Football

After graduating from Barberton High School, Cominsky continued his football career at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. He played for the Charleston Golden Eagles from 2014 through 2018, where he developed into one of the most dominant defensive players in the conference. His senior season in 2018 proved to be his breakthrough year, as he delivered exceptional performances that garnered national recognition.

John Cominsky Career

College Career at Charleston Golden Eagles

Cominsky established himself as a force on the Charleston defensive line throughout his collegiate career. He earned First-team All-MEC honors in both 2017 and 2018, demonstrating consistent excellence across multiple seasons. In 2018, he was named the MEC Defensive Player of the Year, the highest honor in the conference, and received All-American recognition, cementing his status as one of the top defensive players at the Division II level.

Atlanta Falcons (2019–2021)

The Atlanta Falcons selected John Cominsky in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, choosing him with the 135th overall pick. As a rookie, he appeared in 10 games and recorded 10 tackles with half a sack. His first NFL season provided valuable experience as he adjusted to the professional level. During the 2020 season, Cominsky was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in October before being activated later that month.

In Week 12 of the 2021 season, Cominsky recorded his first career sack during a 43-6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, bringing down quarterback Derek Carr. This milestone represented his breakthrough moment in the NFL. The Falcons released Cominsky on May 26, 2022, concluding his three-season tenure with the team.

Detroit Lions (2022–2024)

On May 31, 2022, the Detroit Lions claimed Cominsky off waivers. He immediately became a contributor to the Lions defense, playing in 14 games with eight starts in his debut season with the team. He recorded 30 tackles, four sacks, and three passes defensed, showing versatility along the defensive line. The Lions recognized his value and signed him to a two-year, $8.5 million contract extension in March 2023.

During the 2023 season, Cominsky continued his strong play with 36 combined tackles, one pass deflection, and two sacks across 16 games with 11 starts. His consistency helped anchor a Lions defense that showed improvement throughout the season. However, his 2024 season was cut short when he suffered a torn MCL in his right knee during practice on July 30, ruling him out indefinitely. The Lions placed him on injured reserve on August 29, 2024.

Playing Style and Strengths

Cominsky was known for his versatility along the defensive line, capable of playing multiple techniques. His 6-foot-5 frame provided length and power that allowed him to disrupt opposing backfields. He demonstrated consistent pass-rushing ability and solid run-defense skills throughout his career. His experience in multiple defensive schemes helped him adapt to different coaching systems and personnel groups.

Notable Events and Milestones

His first career sack against Derek Carr in 2021 represented a significant milestone in his professional development. The contract extension from the Lions in 2023 validated his contributions to the team. His career trajectory from a fourth-round draft pick to a reliable NFL starter demonstrated his work ethic and football intelligence. His retirement announcement in March 2025 marked the conclusion of a six-season professional career.

John Cominsky Career Statistics

Over his six NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions, Cominsky established himself as a productive defensive end at the professional level. He appeared in 52 career games with 27 starts, accumulating meaningful statistics across multiple categories.

NFL Career Highlights

Cominsky recorded 107 total tackles, including 7.5 sacks, throughout his NFL career. He also contributed one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and six pass deflections. His best statistical season came in 2022 with the Lions, where he posted four sacks and 30 tackles. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run made him a valuable rotation player on multiple defensive lines.

Career Accomplishments

Before his NFL career, Cominsky achieved significant success at the collegiate level. He earned All-American honors in 2018 and was recognized as the MEC Defensive Player of the Year. His two First-team All-MEC selections demonstrated sustained excellence at Charleston.

John Cominsky Family

Personal Life

John Cominsky maintained connections to his Ohio roots throughout his career. He played his high school football at Barberton High School in his hometown before advancing to the collegiate level at Charleston. Information regarding his family members, spouse, or children has not been publicly disclosed.

2025 Season Performance

John Cominsky announced his retirement from the NFL on March 31, 2025, bringing his professional football career to a close. He cited injuries as the reason for his decision to step away from the game. His final seasons with the Lions saw him establish himself as a reliable contributor before the knee injury ended his 2024 campaign prematurely. Cominsky’s retirement marked the conclusion of a journey that took him from Barberton, Ohio, through Division II football at Charleston, and into six seasons of NFL competition. His career path demonstrated persistence and adaptability, as he carved out a solid professional career after being selected in the fourth round of the 2019 Draft.