Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Penisini announced on Saturday that he is retiring from the National Football League (NFL) after just two seasons.
The former Utah Utes standout shared the news on social media.
“I have made the decision to retire from football,” Penisini wrote. “I’m definitely going to miss my teammates and the coaching staff but I’m glad I got to experience it. I’m happy and excited for whatever life has for me.”
“For my family, friends, teammates, coaches and all the people who supported my dream along the way I appreciate and love you guys,” the 25-year-old added, then ending with #GoLions.
Penisini did not reveal why he was retiring, but head coach Dan Campbell noted after the DT’s rookie season that he had surgery to remove large calcium deposits from his shoulders.
“[He] had what looked like softballs in his shoulder that he had repaired after the season after the fact,” Campbell said in 2021. “It just looked like a bunch of calcium deposits that had been in there. You wonder why when you watch the film last year why he’s not using his arm. It’s because he had issues.”
Penisini was drafted by the Lions in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He started 12 games in two seasons and registered 49 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery.
His announcement was well received by fans and teammates, showing their support for the tackler’s decision.
“Love you, brotha. Thanks for all the help, guidance, and talks. That last pic got me ain’t gonna lie,” replied teammate Levi Onwuzurike, while fellow Lion Taylor Decker quipped: “If you need a carry in [Call of Duty] or a reminder to get your Nordic hamstrings just holler at me.”
In related news, the Detroit Lions announced on Tuesday they had signed free agent wide receiver Devin Funchess. However, Campbell said that he will not be using the 28-year-old in his old position.
The University of Michigan alumni was originally a second-round pick of the Carolina Panthers in 2015, and was a part of their special Super Bowl run.
