India, July 17 -- Veteran defensive lineman Pat O'Connor has officially announced his retirement from the NFL, bringing the curtain down on a nine-year career that started and ended with the Detroit Lions. Originally selected by Detroit in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, O'Connor later spent the majority of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, appearing in 68 games and helping the franchise win a Super Bowl before returning to the Lions for his final two seasons. He shared the news on Instagram just days before Detroit's veterans are due to report for training camp.

Reflecting on his journey, O'Connor wrote, "What a ride it's been. After 9 incredible years, I think it's finally time to hang up the cleats." Looking back on e...