LOWELL, MA -  Former Pirates defensive back Leon O'Neal Jr. is returning to Massachusetts for 2025. The 6'1", product of Texas A&M, who played with the team in 2023, is back after playing last season in the Canadian Football League.

In 11 games last year with the Edmonton Elks, O'Neal Jr. recorded 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. 

O'Neal Jr. saw action in three games with the Pirates in 2023, starting each contest. He made 14.5 tackles and broke up three passes. 

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. 

Collegiately, O'Neal 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.

The 2021 United Bowl Champions
Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and play their home games at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. For 2025 ticket information for the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and X @mass_pirates.