Sports News Report
League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Pat O'Connor retires from NFL after nine seasons with Lions, Bucs

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 4:25 PM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Pat O'Connor retires from NFL after nine seasons with Lions, Bucs
Summary

Pat O'Connor announced his retirement from the NFL on July 16, 2026. The defensive lineman spent nine seasons in the league, beginning as a seventh-round draft pick in 2017. Originally signed by the Detroit Lions, he later joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, contributing to their Super Bowl 55 victory. After a brief return to the Lions for the last two seasons, O'Connor finished his career with 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He expressed gratitude to teammates and friends in his retirement announcement on Instagram.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •O'Connor spent nine seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Bucs and Lions.
  • •He helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl 55 in 2021.
  • •Last season, O'Connor made three starts, the first of his career.
  • •He finishes with 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks throughout his career.
  • •O'Connor announced his retirement via Instagram.
Latest Updates
  • 4:25 PMYahoo Sports — Former Lions, Bucs defensive lineman Pat O'Connor retires from NFL
What they're saying
"

Pat O'Connor, a nine-year veteran who helped the Buccaneers win Super Bowl 55, is calling it a wrap on his NFL career.

Related Teams & Leagues
Detroit LionsTampa Bay BuccaneersNFLFootball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days