Pat O'Connor retires after nine seasons in the NFL
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 8:35 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Pat O'Connor, a former Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman, has announced his retirement from the NFL. The announcement was made via an Instagram post on July 19, 2026. Originally a seventh-round draft pick in 2017, O'Connor carved out a nine-year career in which he played in 68 games with the Buccaneers before returning to the Lions. O'Connor's final two seasons saw him play 20 games, where he recorded 28 tackles and one sack. He expressed gratitude to teammates and friends in his retirement message.
- •Retirement announced on July 19, 2026.
- •Played nine seasons with Lions and Buccaneers.
- •Originally drafted by Lions in 2017.
- •Totaled 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks in career.
- •Final two seasons included 20 games with Lions.
- 8:35 PMYahoo Sports — Former Lions NFL draft pick, 9-year pro announces retirement
"A former Detroit Lions NFL draft pick and 9-year pro announced his retirement from football.
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