Patrick Michael O’Donnell Bio
Patrick Michael O’Donnell is an American professional football punter known for his consistent performance in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Miami Hurricanes before being selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Early Life and Background
Patrick Michael O’Donnell was born on February 22, 1991, in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, United States. He attended Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington, Florida, where he lettered three times in football and track. During high school, O’Donnell excelled as a punter and kicker, averaging 45.1 yards per punt and achieving a 95 percent touchback rate on kickoffs. He also played linebacker and tight end, showcasing his versatility on the field.
O’Donnell is the oldest of two children born to Terrance and Michele O’Donnell. His sister, Megan, was an All-American rower and National Champion at Nova Southeastern University. This athletic family background contributed to his early exposure to competitive sports and discipline.
Path to American Football
O’Donnell was ranked as a two-star recruit by Rivals.com and committed to the University of Cincinnati in 2008. He made his collegiate debut in 2009 but redshirted due to injury after three games. He became the starting punter for Cincinnati in 2010 and 2011, leading the nation in punting average in 2011 with 43.8 yards per punt and earning first-team all-Big East honors.
In 2013, O’Donnell transferred to the University of Miami as a graduate student to stay closer to his family during his father’s illness. At Miami, he set a school record with a 47.1-yard punting average and was named first-team All-ACC and the Hurricanes’ Special Teams MVP. He graduated from Cincinnati with a degree in organizational leadership before transferring.
Patrick Michael O’Donnell Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
O’Donnell was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 191st overall pick in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the only punter chosen that year and the first Bears punter drafted since 1996. He signed a four-year contract and made an immediate impact, finishing his rookie season with 71 punts averaging 43.8 yards. His performance earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) All-Rookie Team.
In the following seasons, O’Donnell continued to demonstrate his punting skills, averaging 39.6 net yards in 2015, the second-highest in Bears history since 1966, and 44.0 yards per punt in 2016. His ability to place punts inside the red zone with minimal touchbacks became a key asset for the Bears’ special teams.
Chicago Bears Breakthrough (2017–2021)
During the 2017 season, O’Donnell showcased his versatility by throwing a 38-yard touchdown pass on a fake punt and serving as a kickoff specialist when the team’s kicker was injured. He finished the year with a 47.0-yard average on 87 punts. In 2018 and 2019, he signed contract extensions with the Bears and set a team record for net punting average at 40.7 yards in 2019.
O’Donnell also took on kickoff duties and backup kicking responsibilities during injury periods, highlighting his adaptability. He signed another one-year extension in 2021, solidifying his role as a key special teams player for Chicago. By 2021, he held multiple Bears franchise records related to punting.
Green Bay Packers Era (2022–2023)
In March 2022, O’Donnell signed a two-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. He earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in Week 3 after a standout performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he punted seven times with an average of 48.4 yards and placed five punts inside the 20-yard line. Despite this success, he was released by the Packers in August 2023.
Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers Stints (2023–2024)
O’Donnell joined the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in October 2023 and was elevated for Week 8 before being released and re-signed later that year. He was signed to the active roster in December 2023 but released shortly after. In November 2024, he signed with the San Francisco 49ers practice squad and was promoted to the active roster within days.
Driving Style and Strengths
Patrick O’Donnell is known for his strong leg and precise placement, excelling at pinning opponents deep in their territory with minimal touchbacks. His strategic punting and ability to handle kickoff and backup kicking duties demonstrate his versatility and value to special teams units.
Notable Events and Milestones
O’Donnell’s career highlights include being the only punter drafted in 2014, setting a Bears team record for net punting average, and throwing a touchdown pass on a fake punt. His consistent performance has made him a reliable special teams contributor throughout his NFL tenure.
Patrick Michael O’Donnell Career Wins
While punters do not accumulate wins in the traditional sense, O’Donnell’s career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to team field position and special teams success across multiple NFL franchises.
Chicago Bears Highlights
O’Donnell’s tenure with the Chicago Bears from 2014 to 2021 was the most stable period of his career. He set franchise records for net punting average and was recognized for his ability to control field position. His rookie season earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and he consistently ranked among the top punters in the league during his time with the Bears.
Other Wins & Performances
O’Donnell’s time with the Green Bay Packers included a standout week earning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. His brief stints with the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers further demonstrate his ongoing value as a veteran punter capable of contributing immediately.
Patrick Michael O’Donnell Family
Family Background and Athletic Lineage
Patrick O’Donnell comes from an athletic family. His father is Terrance O’Donnell and his mother is Michele O’Donnell. His sister, Megan, achieved All-American status in rowing and was a National Champion at Nova Southeastern University. This strong family connection to competitive sports has influenced his athletic career.
Personal Life
O’Donnell is married to Shelby Etter. The couple became engaged in February 2019 and married in March 2020 in Miami. He maintains a private personal life outside of football.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Patrick O’Donnell signed with the Arizona Cardinals in October but was released in November. This period reflects the challenges veteran specialists face in maintaining roster spots amid team needs and competition. O’Donnell’s experience and skill set continue to make him a valuable option for NFL teams seeking a reliable punter.