In an Instagram post on Thursday, former Bucs defensive tackle Pat O’Connor announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons.
Congrats to former Bucs DL Pat O’Connor, who announced his retirement today. 75 of his 95 career NFL games came with the Bucs, including their Super Bowl team in 2020. A great run for a former seventh-rounder. pic.twitter.com/fpfsSfDGUa
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) July 17, 2026
The 32-year-old O’Connor carved out a long career in the league, especially for being the 250th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. After originally being drafted by the Lions, he was let go and had his longest stay and most production in Tampa Bay.
Recapping Pat O’Connor’s Time With The Bucs
Pat O’Connor was never a full-time defensive player, cameoing on that side of the football during his time with the Bucs from 2017-2023.
Former Bucs DT Pat O’Connor – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
O’Connor played 68 of his 88 career games in Tampa Bay, serving as a core special teamer. He had his moments making plays, such as his blocked punt and recovery in Week 3 of the 2020 season against the Broncos. In Week 14 later that year, he also recorded his first career sack of Kirk Cousins and played in all four postseason games, including the team’s 31-9 Super Bowl LV win over the Chiefs.
While his career numbers do not indicate that he was a big-time contributor, he was a pillar of the special teams unit and a glue guy along the defensive line. That made him a fun interview with the media, including as one of Pewter Report’s featured players in the 2022 installment of our camp diaries.
Former Bucs DT Pat O’Connor – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
His time in Tampa Bay concluded after the 2023 season, when he went back to Detroit for a second stint. His two years there were the most playing time he ever received on the defensive side of the football, but he was placed on injured reserve and released with an injury settlement late in the year. He would later be re-signed to the practice squad, but now he has officially hanged them up.
Pat O’Connor should be remembered as an energetic spark plug, a respected locker room presence and an important contributor to the Bucs’ Super Bowl LV squad. O’Connor’s career was defined by perseverance, and after a long run, O’Connor begins a well-earned retirement.