Why did Pat O’Connor retire? The story behind his quiet NFL exit

It wasn’t a dramatic farewell. No press conference, no injury bombshell, no long goodbye tour. Instead, Pat O’Connor walked away from the NFL the same way he spent most of his career - quietly, professionally, and on his own terms.

After nine seasons in the league, the former Detroit Lions defensive end announced his retirement with a simple message - it was time. But why now?

A career that beat the odds

To understand O’Connor’s decision, you have to start with how unlikely his career was in the first place. A seventh-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, O’Connor didn’t even make Detroit’s initial 53-man roster. For many players, that’s where the story ends. For him, it was just the beginning.

He found a home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, carving out a role as a reliable depth piece and special teams contributor. Over six seasons in Tampa, he appeared in dozens of games and, most notably, became a Super Bowl champion.

By the time he returned to Detroit in 2024, O’Connor had already accomplished something most late-round picks never do. He lasted.

When O’Connor rejoined the Lions, his role briefly expanded. He logged more defensive snaps than at any other point in his career, showing he could still contribute beyond special teams.

But by 2025, the trajectory changed, as it tends to do with time. Younger players were emerging. His snap count dipped again. His role shifted back toward depth and rotation.

That’s the reality for most NFL veterans who aren’t stars, and it often becomes the deciding factor. There’s a point where players have to ask whether to keep fighting for a shrinking role, or step away while everything still feels positive.

No injury, no controversy - just timing

What stands out most about O’Connor’s retirement is what’s not there. There’s no confirmed major injury forcing his hand. No sudden release. No off-field issue. No frustration in his words.

Instead, his announcement focused on gratitude, for his teammates, his coaches, and a career that exceeded expectations. He even acknowledged the improbability of it all, noting that his younger self wouldn’t have believed this outcome.

O’Connor’s final line said more than anything else: “Now it’s time to enter the real world… ready for whatever comes next.”

For many players, that transition is difficult, and delayed as long as possible. But for others, especially those who have carved out long, steady careers without superstardom, there’s often a different perspective. They’ve seen the league. They’ve achieved their goals. They know what comes with sticking around too long. And sometimes, the smartest move is leaving before the game forces you to.

Related stories

NFL

Seahawks sold for $9.6 billion: The most expensive NFL teams ever purchased

NFL

Chris Johnson reveals ALS diagnosis in emotional new interview

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.