Defensive lineman Pat O'Connor, a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl-winning team in 2021, announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday. He is 32 years old.
O'Connor played the first six seasons of his nine-year career with the Buccaneers. He shared his decision in an Instagram post, writing, “What a ride it’s been. After 9 incredible years, I think it’s finally time to hang up the cleats.”
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Eastern Michigan, O'Connor spent his rookie season with the Buccaneers after being released by Detroit. Primarily a special teams player, he also contributed on defense, playing 77 percent of special teams snaps during the Buccaneers' Super Bowl run in 2021. His role included covering kicks and punts, as well as blocking on return units.
After leaving the Buccaneers in 2023, O'Connor returned to the Lions for two seasons, appearing in 20 out of a possible 34 games. During that time, he recorded one sack and 28 total tackles.
Reflecting on his career, O'Connor posted a video of his draft day, stating, “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.” He expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and friends.
O'Connor concluded his announcement by looking toward his future, saying, “As one chapter closes, another begins. Now it’s time to enter the real world. I’m beyond excited and ready for whatever comes next.”