The D.C. Defenders released defensive back Lion O’Neal Jr. on Thursday according to James Larsen.
Leon O’Neal Jr. is six foot one and weighs 204 pounds. The 27-year-old from Cypress, Texas, was drafted by the D.C. Defenders in the 2026 UFL Draft.
The San Francisco 49ers signed O’Neal Jr. as an undrafted free agent on May 13, 2022. The 49ers released him on August 12, 2022.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed O’Neal Jr. on February 13, 2023. In 2023, O’Neal Jr. played two preseason games with three tackles, one tackle for loss, and one tackle on special teams. The Roughriders released him on June 4, 2023.
The Edmonton Elks signed O’Neal Jr. on January 17, 2024. In 2024, O’Neal Jr. made 35 tackles and seven tackles on special teams in 11 games. The Elks released him on September 23, 2024.
The Houston Roughnecks signed O’Neal Jr. on January 28, 2025. In 2025, he made 46 tackles (31 solos, 15 assists), four tackles for loss, one sack, one interception for 30 yards, one touchdown, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and three pass breakups in 10 games. He was named to the All-UFL Team.
Collegiately, O’Neal Jr. played four seasons at Texas A&M (2018-21) with 161 tackles (108 solos, 53 assists), ten tackles for loss, one sack, six interceptions for 162 yards, one touchdown, 18 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery in 48 games for the Aggies. He earned the Aggie Heart Award, Defensive Attitude Award, and the Defensive Aggie Award for strength & conditioning at the annual team banquet.
