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Detroit Lions defensive lineman Pat O’Connor has retired from the NFL after nine seasons, he announced.
O’Connor, 32, played in 20 games over the past two seasons with Detroit. He previously spent seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2017-23, including winning Super Bowl LV in February 2021.
“What a ride it’s been,” O’Connor wrote in an Instagram post. “After 9 incredible years, I think it’s finally time to hang up the cleats.
“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 added.
O’Connor was drafted out of Eastern Michigan by the Bucs in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He played in 88 games for the Bucs and Lions and recorded 52 tackles, including seven for a loss, 2.5 sacks and one safety.
In his retirement post, O’Connor thanked his teammates, coaches and friends for their support during his football career.
“As one chapter closes, another begins,” he said. “Now it’s time to enter the real world. I’m beyond excited and ready for whatever comes next. Thank you, football, for everything.”
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