Detroit Lions defensive tackle Pat O'Connor announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday after playing nine seasons. And Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby was one of the first players to pay tribute.

O'Connor shared the news in a lengthy Instagram post on July 16. Shortly after the post appeared, Crosby joined many current and former teammates in the comments with a personal message.

"You showed me the way from day 1… Love you like a brother, you savage. [heart emoji]," Crosby commented.

In his Instagram post, the retired defensive tackle thanked his teammates, coaches, and football for shaping both his career and his life.

"What a ride it's been. After 9 incredible years, I think it's finally time to hang up the cleats," wrote O'Connor.

The comment reflects Crosby and O'Connor's close friendship at Eastern Michigan. As a senior, O'Connor helped Crosby (who was then a freshman) learn the habits and discipline needed to reach the NFL.

Their friendship stayed strong throughout their pro careers, despite the two never playing on the same team in the NFL.

Crosby was not the only player to respond. Lions linebacker Derrick Barnes, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson each congratulated O'Connor, with Hutchinson saying he would miss "Patty O" on the field.

“As one chapter closes, another begins. Now it’s time to enter the real world. I’m beyond excited and ready for whatever comes next. Thank you, football, for everything,” O'Connor's caption concluded.

O'Connor was selected by Detroit with the 250th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He later played on special teams in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV victory before returning to Detroit in 2024, appearing in 12 games that season.

The DT completed his career with 88 appearances, 52 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks across nine seasons.

While Crosby’s message showed how much O’Connor means to him, it came at a time when talk about Crosby’s own future with the Raiders is still making the rounds.

Raiders continue building around Crosby after offseason trade chatter

While Crosby took time to celebrate the player who helped shape his career, attention around his own future has remained focused on the Raiders.

One proposed deal involving the Seattle Seahawks suggested sending draft capital and safety Julian Love to Las Vegas.

A previous trade with the Baltimore Ravens fell through due to concerns about Crosby's surgically repaired knee.

"And, by all accounts, Las Vegas is glad to have him back. Trading him was somewhat of a necessary evil, but the football gods have spoken, and Crosby is meant to be in Silver and Black," Levi Dombro of Just Blog Baby wrote. "That doesn't mean that the trade chatter subsides immediately, but it at least delays it until the trade deadline."

The Raiders are counting on Crosby to return from knee surgery and lead a defense expected to feature more talent around him this season.

One projection placed his floor at seven sacks, while suggesting he could reach 11 or more if he stays healthy throughout the year.

As O'Connor steps into retirement and Crosby prepares for another season, could their story take a different turn this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit