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2mo ago

Pat O'Connor Retires After Nine NFL Seasons

Placement on the Lions' reserve/retired list formalizes a full‑circle exit that should not change Detroit's training‑camp roster.

Nov 10, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA;Detroit Lions defensive end Pat O'Connor (95) and teammates celebrate after Houston Texans place kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) (not pictured) missed the game winning field goal in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images
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An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Tampa Bay Buccaneers players celebrating their Super Bowl LV win, Image 2 shows A Kansas City Chiefs player kicks a field goal as the opposing team tries to block it

Overview

  • O'Connor announced his retirement on Thursday, July 16, 2026, via an Instagram post thanking teammates and coaches and saying he was ready for what comes next.
  • The Detroit Lions officially placed him on the reserve/retired list, an administrative move that ends his playing career and preserves the team's roster structure.
  • O'Connor was a seventh‑round pick out of Eastern Michigan in 2017 who spent seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and returned to Detroit for his final two campaigns.
  • He built his career as a core special‑teams player and rotational defensive lineman, finishing with 88 regular‑season games, 52 tackles, and 2.5 sacks.
  • After a 2025 season that included an injured‑reserve stint, an injury settlement, and a practice‑squad return, his retirement closes a journeyman career without creating an immediate gap for the Lions as camp opens.