Detroit Lions defensive tackle John Penisini has decided to walk away from football. Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Lions DT John Penisini announces retirement at age 25

By Adam Stites | Last updated 6/11/22

Detroit Lions nose tackle John Penisini is calling it a career after only two seasons with the team.

"I have made the decision to retire from football," Penisini wrote on Instagram early Saturday morning. "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."

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A post shared by John Penisini (@wjxfamili801)

Penisini, who turned 25 on May 31, was a sixth-round pick in 2020 and started 12 games as a rookie. In 2021, the Lions transitioned to a 3-4 defense under new head coach Dan Campbell and Penisini was relegated to backup nose tackle duties behind 2021 third-round pick Alim McNeill. Penisini was on the field for 26 percent of the team's defensive snaps in 2021.

With McNeill expected to start at nose tackle again in 2022, Penisini's spot on the roster was far from guaranteed, especially after the Lions used two of their first three draft picks to add Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal to an already-crowded group of defensive linemen.

Penisini finished his NFL career with 49 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack and one fumble recovery.

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