Former Lions defensive tackle John Penisini unretires and signs with the Panthers

Former Lions defensive tackle John Penisini came out of retirement last week, and he has now signed with the Carolina Panthers.

Last summer, seemingly in light of dealing with calcium deposits in his shoulders over his first two seasons, Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Penisini announced his retirement from the NFL.

"I have made the decision To retire from football,” Penisini, 25, 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. Go Lions.”"

Penisini was a sixth-round pick by the Lions in 2020, He started 12 games as a rookie under Matt Patricia, and he played all 16 games in each of his first two seasons (albeit in a far smaller role in the second, with a new coaching staff and defensive scheme in place). If he had been healthy enough to stick around last year, making the 53-man roster would have been an uphill battle for him.

Last week, the Lions waived Penisini from the reserve/retired list. That opened the door to him coming out of retirement. He passed through waivers unclaimed, freeing him to sign with any team he wanted. On Saturday, his agent announced he will sign with the Carolina Panthers.

John Penisini joins former Detroit Lions contingent in Carolina

First it was running backs coach/assistant head coach Duce Staley, for understandable family reasons. Then it was defensive line coach Todd Wash. Then came wide receiver DJ Chark in free agency. All were with the Lions last season, and all are with the Carolina Panthers now.

The massive calcium deposits in Penisini’s shoulders must no longer be an issue and there’s no danger they’ll re-occur, otherwise he wouldn’t be coming out of retirement. The Lions didn’t have a place for him, but he’ll get an opportunity with the Panthers.