With New Lions Contract, John Cominsky Can Have Unselfish Mindset

Why John Cominsky is experiencing peace of mind in 2023.

A year ago, Detroit Lions defensive end John Cominsky entered training camp uncertain about his future. 

At the time, he was an intriguing waiver pickup who spent the beginning of his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He impressed enough to make the final roster, eventually becoming a staple along the Lions' defensive line. 

For his performance, he was awarded a two-year contract extension to remain with the organization. Now, he's got the peace of mind that comes with stability with an NFL team. 

"It's definitely different. This is the first time going into a contract like this for me," Cominsky said during an appearance on 'Off the Record with Dannie Rogers.' "I've been kind of earning my keep my first four years, so I'm definitely in a different position, more confident and more team-oriented thinking, because I've got my spot here, I know my role here. Now, it's about pouring into the younger players, pouring into my teammates and just making sure we build that chemistry, make sure we don't waste what we've got going on here. It's a bigger and brighter mindset for me."

As is the case with many players on the roster bubble, Cominsky was forced to advocate more for himself through last offseason. Now that he's proven himself, he can devote that energy to his teammates. 

"It's more selfish-thinking," the 27-year-old explained. "You try to keep the team, but I'm kind of on the fence. I'm trying to earn my keep in Detroit. So, yeah, it's a lot more me, what can I do better, where can I get better, which is still here this year. But, I can relax on that a little bit and start thinking (about the) team and how we're gonna win games and how we're gonna be the best defense we can be." 

The four-year vet broke out in his extended opportunity with the Lions. He notched 30 tackles, four sacks and five tackles for loss. Through his experience, he learned plenty about himself, and molded his mindset in a way that allows him to succeed. 

"The biggest thing I've learned is confidence, and having confidence in yourself," Cominsky noted. "So often, we look around, there's always gonna be a player that's better than you in some way, some capacity. So just being confident in your ability and working on those abilities. ... It's just having confidence in who you are as a player and always just comparing yourself to yourself, not looking around. That's really been the biggest thing." 

The veteran noted that he experienced this change in mindset between the end of his final year in Atlanta and coming to Detroit last offseason. 

Scott brings the energy

The Lions' defensive line is operating under new leadership this season, as John Scott Jr. is the team's new position coach. He takes over for Todd Wash, who left to join the Carolina Panthers' staff. 

Coming from Penn State and the college ranks, Detroit's newest assistant coach has a youthful and exuberant energy. Cominsky said he often sprints across the field with the linemen as they go through drills. 

Additionally, the Lions are expecting more from their talented crop of second-year linemen. Aidan Hutchinson was among the league's best rookie pass rushers, while Josh Paschal and James Houston also made big statements. 

With this young talent, a big step is expected in their second seasons. If the Lions are to excel defensively, they need the youngsters to continue contributing. 

"I think we're expected to make plays and be the ringleaders for this defense," Cominsky explained. "I think it all starts with us. Any defense, it starts with that defensive line. I think we understand that. The young guys, Aidan Hutchinson is year two, Josh Paschal is year two, James Houston is year two. You might be a second-year player, but we need you to start acting like a vet, because this is what we've got. This is our future, so I think we're embracing it and embracing that this defense needs us."