Patrick Joseph O’Connor Bio
Patrick Joseph O’Connor is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Born in Chicago, Illinois, O’Connor emerged as a standout defensive player at Eastern Michigan University before entering the NFL. He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft and has since built a solid professional career spanning multiple seasons with both the Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. O’Connor achieved the pinnacle of professional football success when he helped the Buccaneers capture Super Bowl LV during the 2020 season.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Joseph O’Connor was born on November 1, 1993, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Chicago area and attended Chicago St. Rita High School, where he began developing his skills as a defensive end. His upbringing in the football-rich environment of Chicago provided him with early exposure to competitive athletics and laid the foundation for his future gridiron career.
After completing high school at Chicago St. Rita, O’Connor continued his academic and athletic journey at the collegiate level, selecting Eastern Michigan University to further his education and football career.
Path to Professional Football
O’Connor played college football for the Eastern Michigan Eagles from 2012 through 2016. During his senior season, he recorded 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to disruptive opposing offenses. Over his entire collegiate career, he accumulated 166 total tackles and 20 sacks while primarily playing the defensive end position. His coaches and teammates recognized him for his exceptional work ethic and dedication to the sport.
His outstanding performance at Eastern Michigan earned him recognition on the All-Mid-American Conference team, being named First-team All-MAC in both 2014 and 2016. These accolades showcased his consistency and impact as a defensive playmaker at the collegiate level, positioning him favorably for the transition to professional football.
Patrick Joseph O’Connor Career
Early Career (2017)
The Detroit Lions selected Patrick Joseph O’Connor in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft with the 250th overall pick. He signed his first professional contract with the Lions on May 12, 2017, a four-year deal worth $2.46 million that included a signing bonus of $64,270. However, his initial NFL journey was challenging, as the Lions waived him during final roster cuts on September 2, 2017. He was immediately signed to the Lions practice squad but was released shortly thereafter.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Breakthrough (2017-2023)
O’Connor’s fortunes changed when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him to their practice squad on October 9, 2017. He demonstrated enough promise to earn a promotion to the active roster on November 29, 2017. The following years saw him bounce between the active roster and practice squad as he worked to establish himself in the league.
During the 2018 season, O’Connor was waived by the Buccaneers in September but was re-signed to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract at the end of that year. In 2019, he again went through the waiver and practice squad process before earning another promotion to the active roster.
The 2020 season marked a turning point in O’Connor’s career. In Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings, he recorded his first career NFL sack on Kirk Cousins during a 26-14 Buccaneers victory. More significantly, he played throughout the Buccaneers’ playoff run that culminated in winning Super Bowl LV, earning his first championship ring.
In 2021, O’Connor became a core special teams player for the Buccaneers before suffering a knee injury in Week 15 that required him to be placed on injured reserve. He returned in 2022 with a one-year contract and continued contributing to the team through the 2023 season, which involved multiple transactions between the active roster and practice squad.
Detroit Lions Return (2024-Present)
On August 1, 2024, O’Connor returned to the Detroit Lions organization, signing with the team that originally drafted him seven years earlier. He was released during final roster cuts but was signed to the practice squad. He earned a promotion to the active roster on October 19, 2024. On March 18, 2025, the Lions re-signed him to a one-year contract, demonstrating the organization’s continued confidence in his abilities.
Defensive Style and Strengths
O’Connor has established himself as a reliable rotational defensive end and core special teams contributor throughout his NFL career. His collegiate career highlighted his ability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, with 20 career sacks at Eastern Michigan demonstrating his pass-rushing prowess. His work ethic and consistency earned him All-MAC honors twice, and his ability to contribute on special teams has been vital to keeping him on NFL rosters.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of O’Connor’s career came during the 2020 season when he played an integral role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV championship run. He appeared in all four of the team’s playoff games that season, including the championship game victory. His first career sack against Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings represented another career milestone that showcased his development as an NFL player.
Patrick Joseph O’Connor Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Patrick Joseph O’Connor has accumulated significant achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His most prestigious accomplishment came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV championship in the 2020 season.
NFL Highlights
O’Connor’s NFL career spans eight seasons with the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers organizations. His career NFL statistics include 52 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 pass deflection as of the 2025 season. His first career sack against Kirk Cousins in 2020 represented a breakthrough moment in his professional development. Winning Super Bowl LV with the Buccaneers stands as the pinnacle achievement of his professional career.
Collegiate Achievements
Prior to his NFL success, O’Connor was a dominant defender at Eastern Michigan University. He earned First-team All-MAC honors twice (2014 and 2016) and accumulated 166 total tackles and 20 sacks during his collegiate career. His 8.5-sack senior season demonstrated his ability to be a difference-maker along the defensive line.
Patrick Joseph O’Connor Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information regarding Patrick Joseph O’Connor’s family background, parents, or any family lineage in professional sports is not readily available in verified sources.
Personal Life
O’Connor maintains an active presence on social media through his X.com account (@toopoc). Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children has not been publicly verified and remains private.
2025 Season Performance
Patrick Joseph O’Connor entered the 2025 NFL season with the Detroit Lions following his re-signing in March. The Lions promoted him to the active roster mid-season after he spent time on the practice squad. He contributed as a rotational defensive end and core special teams player for the team. However, his 2025 season was interrupted when he was placed on injured reserve on November 14 and released the following day. He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 8, showcasing his continued value to the organization. O’Connor’s journey with the Lions exemplifies his resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks throughout his NFL career.