Pirates Sign DB Leon O’Neal Jr.
ORLANDO, FL - Defensive back Leon O’Neal Jr. returns to the Pirates for the third time in his career. An All-UFL selection last season with the Houston Roughnecks, O’Neal Jr. was acquired in the 2026 UFL Draft by the DC Defenders but became available after his release on March 19. The 6’1”, 205 lb. product of Texas A&M was on the Pirates roster in 2025 but did not see game action. He did play in three games with the team in 2023, making three starts with 14.5 tackles while breaking up three passes. O’Neal Jr. also has National Football League and the Canadian Football League experience.
By: Mick Moninghoff
Last season with the Houston Roughnecks O'Neal Jr. played in ten games and had 31 solo tackles with 15 assists for a total of 46 stops. He had four tackles for a loss, one sack and scored a touchdown. He also notched one interception for 30 yards and broke up three passes. O'Neal Jr. also forced one fumble and recovered another.
A native of Cypress,TX, O'Neal Jr. signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. After his release he signed with the CFL Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2023 and played in two preseason games with three tackles, one tackle for loss and one tackle on special teams.
He then signed with the Edmonton Elks and played in 11 games recording a total of 42 tackles with 35 on defense and seven on special teams. His best game was an eight tackle performance against the Toronto Argonauts.
Collegiately, O'Neal Jr. played four seasons with the Texas A&M Aggies appearing in 48 games making 32 starts. He finished his college career with six interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He recorded 161 tackles with ten for a loss and one sack. O'Neal also defended 18 passes and had one fumble recovery.
His finest season in College Station was his last where he made a season high 58 tackles, notched his only sack and made three stops for a loss. He also posted two interceptions. In 2021 he was voted the top player at his position in the Senior Bowl.
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