Leon O'Neal Jr.

Leon O'Neal Jr. (born December 23, 1998) is an American professional football defensive back for the Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL). He played college football at Texas A&M. He has also been a member of the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL), the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Houston Roughnecks, DC Defenders, and Columbus Aviators of the United Football League (UFL).

Early life O'Neal played high school football at Cypress Springs High School in Cypress, Texas. He recorded 78 tackles, five forced fumbles, and four pass breakups his senior year. He played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

College career O'Neal played college football for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2018 to 2021. He played in all 13 games his freshman year in 2018, totaling 14 tackles, one interception and one pass breakup.

Professional career

San Francisco 49ers After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL draft, O'Neal signed with the San Francisco 49ers on May 13, 2022. He was waived/injured on August 10 and reverted to injured reserve the next day. O'Neal was waived from injured reserve on August 12.

Saskatchewan Roughriders O'Neal was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on February 13, 2023. He was released by Saskatchewan in a round of camp cuts on June 4. He was suspended indefinitely by the IFL the next day.

Edmonton Elks

O'Neal signed with the Edmonton Elks of the CFL on January 17, 2024. O'Neal was released by the Elks on September 23.

Massachusetts Pirates (second stint) On November 8, 2024, O'Neal signed with the Massachusetts Pirates for the 2025 season.

Houston Roughnecks On January 28, 2025, O'Neal signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). O'Neal was named to the 2025 All-UFL Team.

DC Defenders On January 13, 2026, O'Neal was selected by the DC Defenders in the 2026 UFL draft. He was released by the Defenders on March 19.

Columbus Aviators On April 13, 2026, O'Neal signed with the Columbus Aviators. He was released by Columbus on May 12.

Orlando Pirates (third stint) On May 17, 2026, O'Neal signed with the Orlando Pirates of the IFL.