Signed by Tampa Bay to the practice squad on October 9, 2017. Promoted to the active roster on November 29, 2017.
Originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick (250th overall) with the Detroit Lions in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Has played in 57 games, recording 13 tackles (three for loss), five quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks and seven special teams tackles. Also has one blocked field goal and one blocked punt, which he recovered.
Has played in five postseason contests.
Since the start of the 2020 season, has played the fourth-most most special teams snaps in the NFC and 12th-most in the NFL (962).
Recorded his first career blocked field goal when he blocked a 61-yard field goal attempt before halftime against Baltimore (10/27/22). It marked Tampa Bay's first blocked field goal attempt since 12/18/17 vs. Atlanta.
At Denver (9/27/20), blocked a punt, which he recovered. The blocked punt was the first for the Buccaneers since 2015 (Jeremiah George, 12/17/15 vs. Chicago).
Recorded first career sack against Minnesota (12/13/20), bringing down Vikings QB Kirk Cousins for a 10-yard loss.
Made NFL debut against Green Bay Packers (12/3/17).
Appeared on special teams in the season opener at Dallas (9/11).
Recorded one special teams tackle in the Week 2 win at New Orleans (9/18).
Appeared in a reserve capacity and on special teams in Weeks 3-7.
In Week 8 vs. Baltimore, blocked a 61-yard field goal attempt before halftime. It marked Tampa Bay's first blocked field goal attempt since 12/18/17 vs. Atlanta. It was O'Connor's first career blocked field goal and his second career block, joining his blocked punt from 9/27/20 at Denver.
Appeared on special teams in Weeks 9-14.
Logged one quarterback hit in Week 15 vs. Cincinnati.
Appeared in a reserve capacity and on special teams in Week 16 at Arizona and Week 17 vs. Carolina.
Played 32 defensive snaps in Week 18 at Atlanta, recording a career-high three tackles (one for loss).
Played in 49 games at Eastern Michigan (2012-16), recording 166 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.0 sacks, eight passes defensed and seven forced fumbles.
Recorded a career-best 14.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles as a senior (2016), accumulating 42 tackles in 13 games.
Sat out the 2015 season as a medical redshirt.
Named first team All-MAC as a junior (2014), leading the MAC with 7.5 sacks and adding a career-best 64 tackles with 14 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles in 12 games played.
Honored with the John E. Borowiec Most Valuable Defensive Player Award in back-to-back seasons (2013-14) during his time with the Eagles and as the 2014 Team MVP at the end-of-year banquet.
Played in all 12 games as a sophomore (2013), collecting 44 tackles, five tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed.
Appeared in all 12 games as a freshman (2012), recording 16 tackles.
Recognized as the E-Gridiron Group Defensive Newcomer of the Year at the team's 2012 banquet.
Majored in communications.
Attended Saint Rita High School (Chicago, Illinois).
Named 2011 Chicago Tribune All-State honorable mention, Chicago Sun Times All-Area honorable mention and first team All-Catholic League Blue.
Led his team to a Catholic League Championship in 2010.
Son of James O'Connor and Donna Craig.
Born Patrick Joseph O'Connor on November 1, 1993.
In 2020, supported Christmas Without Cancer as part of the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative.
O'Connor, along with the defensive linemen, hosted the 8th annual "D-Line Delivers Christmas" in 2019. Local families were surprised with a tour of AdventHealth Training Center, dinner with D-Line, and a shopping spree at Target.
