Jared Goff’s 6-Word Response to Teammate’s Unexpected Retirement
The 29-year-old defensive end shocked many by announcing his retirement on Monday. However, his reasoning for stepping away from football at a relatively young age—before injuries dictated his future—deserves respect.
“After six years in the NFL, I am officially retiring for medical reasons,” Cominsky shared on Instagram. “I’m proud of my career, but the accumulation of injuries has outweighed my passion for playing.
“Thanks to the Atlanta Falcons for taking a chance on a Division II underdog. Thanks to the Detroit Lions for picking me up off waivers, extending my contract, and giving me the opportunity to prove myself as a starter.
“Gratitude to the coaches and front offices that supported me and believed in my potential. Who would have thought a former Barberton, Ohio high school quarterback would go on to sack NFL quarterbacks?”
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Cominsky played a key role in the Lions’ defensive front in 2022 and 2023, recording 73 pressures, 52 hurries, and 15 quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, an MCL tear sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
His Instagram comments were filled with supportive messages from former teammates and Lions fans. Quarterback Jared Goff was one of the first to leave a note.
“Congrats on the great career, brother,” Goff wrote.
Cominsky arrived in Detroit a year after Goff was traded there from the Los Angeles Rams.
The same season that Goff revitalized his career—throwing for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions—Cominsky also had his best year, tallying 30 tackles, four sacks, and three pass deflections in 14 games.
Selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, Cominsky played five seasons in the NFL—three with Atlanta and two with Detroit. He finished his career with 107 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in 57 games.