As Texas Longhorns alumni continue to shine in the NFL, one heartbreaking story has left fans devastated. Sam Cosmi, the former Longhorns guard, played a pivotal role in the Washington Commanders’ stunning 45-31 upset victory over the Detroit Lions, but a tragic knee injury has dashed his hopes of competing in the NFC Championship.
In a gut-wrenching turn of events, Cosmi went down in the second quarter after taking a hit to the back of his legs from Lions defender Za’Darius Smith. Despite the Commanders’ victory, the news was grim. An MRI revealed that Cosmi had torn his ACL, ruling him out for the rest of the playoffs, including any potential Super Bowl run.
At 6-foot-7 and 309 pounds, Cosmi was a key part of Washington’s offensive line, playing in 57 regular-season games with 49 starts since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Known for his durability, Cosmi had played every snap for the Commanders last season and had only allowed one sack all year. A standout at Texas from 2017-2020, he earned second-team All-American honors in his final year and was a dominant force on the field.
Now, just as Washington inches closer to its first Super Bowl appearance since 1991, Cosmi will be left on the sidelines, unable to participate in the historic moment. The news is a painful reminder of how fragile success can be, especially for athletes who have given so much to reach the pinnacle of their careers.
