Brian O'Neill (American football)

Brian O'Neill (American football) is an American football offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers and was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. O'Neill has established himself as a durable and proficient starter on the Vikings' offensive line, earning Pro Bowl recognition for his performances.

Early life and college career

Brian O'Neill was born in Wilmington, Delaware and attended the Salesianum School, where he excelled in multiple sports. He initially committed to play college football as a tight end for the University of Pittsburgh. Under the guidance of coaches Paul Chryst and later Pat Narduzzi, O'Neill transitioned to the offensive tackle position, showcasing remarkable athleticism for his size. His development was rapid, and he became a key starter for the Panthers, earning second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors following his junior season in 2016. O'Neill's performance at Pittsburgh, including his notable athletic testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, solidified his status as a top prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Professional career

The Minnesota Vikings selected Brian O'Neill with the 62nd overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He began his rookie season as a reserve but was inserted into the starting lineup by mid-season, demonstrating immediate poise and skill in protecting quarterback Kirk Cousins. O'Neill has remained a fixture at right tackle, starting nearly every game since his debut. His consistent play was recognized with his first selection to the Pro Bowl following the 2021 season. In January 2022, O'Neill signed a lucrative five-year contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, underscoring his value to the franchise. He earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod after the 2022 season, further cementing his reputation as one of the league's premier offensive linemen.

NFL career statistics

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Regular season statistics |- ! Year ! Team ! Games ! Starts |- | 2018 | Minnesota Vikings | 16 | 11 |- | 2019 | Minnesota Vikings | 16 | 16 |- | 2020 | Minnesota Vikings | 16 | 16 |- | 2021 | Minnesota Vikings | 17 | 17 |- | 2022 | Minnesota Vikings | 17 | 17 |- | 2023 | Minnesota Vikings | 4 | 4 |- ! Career ! ! 86 ! 85 |}

Personal life

Brian O'Neill is married to his longtime girlfriend, and the couple resides in Minnesota. He is known for his involvement in community initiatives through the Minnesota Vikings organization and various charitable endeavors. O'Neill maintains a connection to his roots in Delaware and his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh.

Category:1995 births Category:Living people Category:American football offensive tackles Category:Minnesota Vikings players Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football players Category:People from Wilmington, Delaware Category:NFL Pro Bowl players