CANTON, Ohio – John Cominsky's debut to the NFL couldn't have been drawn up any more perfectly than how it played out on Thursday night.
In a stadium about 20 minutes away from where he grew up in Barberton, Ohio, in front of 50 family members and closest friends, Cominsky recorded his first NFL sack – a moment he'll never forget.
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"It was extra special for me because this is my hometown, I heard 'Cominsky' yelled all over the stands," Cominsky said following the 14-10 loss to the Denver Broncos. "It was extra special."
The Falcons want to get Cominsky as many reps as they can, for he is someone the coaching staff believes can be an impact player during his rookie season.
After recording his first tackle for loss, Cominsky's first sack came two plays later. The Falcons' fourth-round pick also recovered a muffed punt.
"It was electric," Cominsky said. "My body heated up to like 300 degrees. I was just super pumped to get off the field."
After the first two drives, Comisnky said he "let go" and started to get more comfortable.
The Falcons and Cominsky hope he'll continue to build on this performance, as he's someone who could be a key rotational player along the defensive line.
"I think it's a big confidence booster," Cominsky said. "I think all of the rookies struggle because they need to get their feet wet, they need to get out there and make a couple of plays, which I was able to do and which a lot of rookies were able to do."
Thursday night's performance helped Cominsky, "shut out the doubt" in his mind. It was also a good first step for a rookie who has quickly earned the respect of his teammates.
Cominsky's work ethic is a trait admired by his teammates and he's quickly becoming a leader within Atlanta's rookie class because of it.
"John is just a natural born leader," rookie running back Qadree Ollison said. "You know when he's out there he's going to give it his all, so you have to really respect a guy like that. He's going to be a great player and around in this league for a while."
