​On Thursday, former Detroit Lions defensive end Pat O’Connor announced his retirement from football in a post on Instagram. “After nine incredible years, I think it’s finally time to hang up the cleats,” O’Connor wrote in the caption. “If you 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 you crazy. But here we are.”
O’Connor entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick for the Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft. His early years in Detroit didn’t unfold as planned; he failed to secure a spot on the 53-man roster and soon joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite the rocky start, he defied the odds and carved out a lasting role with the Buccaneers, remaining on their roster for six seasons. During his time in Tampa Bay, O’Connor appeared in 68 games, primarily contributing on special teams while providing valuable depth along the defensive line.
In a notable and heartwarming twist, O’Connor concluded his professional journey with the team that initially drafted him. The Lions brought him back in 2024, and over the following two seasons he saw more action on defense than at any point in his career. He logged 236 defensive snaps in 2024 and 106 in 2025, signaling a meaningful late-career shift toward contributing on the field rather than solely on special teams. Across a nine-year NFL tenure, O’Connor accumulated 88 game appearances, three starts, 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss.
“I want to thank all of my teammates and friends I met along the way,” O’Connor continued in his message. “There are far too many to name, so I won’t—but you know who you are. Thank you for the memories, the friendships, and everything in between. Thank you to all of the coaches who impacted my career and helped me become a better player and an even better person, both on and off the field.”
O’Connor’s popularity as a teammate was evident in the outpouring of well-wishes from Lions players in his Instagram comments. Aidan Hutchinson commented, “Gonna miss u out there Patty O😥 scratch golfer incoming,” signaling the fondness and camaraderie within the locker room. Derrick Barnes added, “My dawg!!!😟 hate this for me but love this for you my guy! You earned it each and everyday!! Go live life brother!!” Former Lion Roy Lopez chimed in with, “It was an honor brother ! Congratulations! 🫡💙💪🏻 cheers.” Teammates including Craig Reynolds, Levi Onwuzurike, Tyleik Williams, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Miles Frazier also joined the chorus of congratulations and well-wishes.
As O’Connor reflected on the end of his football career, he framed it as a transition rather than a conclusion. “As one chapter closes, another begins,” he wrote. “Now it’s time to enter the real world. I’m beyond excited and ready for whatever comes next. Thank you, football, for everything.” The sentiment underscored a player who not only endured the rigors of the NFL but also embraced the opportunities that followed a long and storied career.
Pat O’Connor’s NFL story is one of perseverance, resilience, and adaptability. From a late-round draft pick facing initial setbacks to a veteran contributor who found his way back to the team that initially believed in him, his journey reflects the unpredictable and compelling nature of professional football. Fans and peers alike will remember his contributions on and off the field, as well as the leadership and camaraderie he brought to every team fortunate enough to have him in their huddle. As he steps into life beyond football, O’Connor’s experiences will no doubt inspire future players to pursue their goals with determination, humility, and gratitude for every opportunity the sport has offered them.