Veteran defensive end Pat O'Connor has decided to hang up his cleats, concluding a professional football career that included a Super Bowl championship. At 32 years old, O'Connor's journey in the NFL saw him contribute significantly to both the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers over several seasons.
Defensive Lineman Pat O'Connor Concludes Esteemed NFL Career
On Thursday, July 17, 2026, Pat O'Connor, a prominent defensive end for the Detroit Lions, publicly declared his departure from the National Football League. His retirement marks the end of a notable career that spanned multiple years and teams.
Last season, O'Connor, aged 32, participated in eight contests for the Lions, starting three of them. During these appearances, he recorded 10 tackles, demonstrating his defensive prowess. He was a key player on special teams, engaging in 64% of their snaps, accumulating 143 plays, alongside 21% of defensive snaps, totaling 106 plays.
O'Connor's professional journey began when the Detroit organization selected him in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, following his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan. Although he was released from their practice squad in September 2017, he swiftly found a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Throughout his career, O'Connor amassed an impressive 88 regular-season games, with three starts. His statistical contributions included 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss. These achievements were split between his time with the Buccaneers, from 2017 and 2019-2024, and his more recent tenure with the Lions in 2024-2025.
A significant highlight of O'Connor's career was his involvement with the Buccaneers' Super Bowl championship team during the 2020 season. He also experienced the intensity of playoff football in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Reflecting on his career via Instagram, O'Connor shared a poignant message: "If I had told my younger self that I'd play this long, spend my entire career with just two teams, get drafted, and win a Super Bowl, he would have called me crazy. But here we are." His words encapsulate the unexpected yet fulfilling trajectory of his time in the NFL.
Pat O'Connor's retirement serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where dedication and perseverance can lead to a long and decorated career. His journey from a seventh-round draft pick to a Super Bowl champion underscores the idea that success often comes from seizing opportunities and making the most of every chance given. His ability to contribute consistently on both defense and special teams for over eight seasons with two different organizations highlights his versatility and commitment. O'Connor's sentiment on Instagram resonates with many, reminding us that sometimes, the most incredible achievements are those we never dared to dream of for ourselves.