66. Leslie O'Neal

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Drafted 8^th overall by the San Diego Chargers in 1986, Leslie O'Neal made an immediate impact in the NFL by winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year and accumulating 12.5 Sacks. He would suffer a knee injury that would take him out of football for a year and a half, but by 1989 he was ready to come back, and he would be named to the Pro Bowl in six of his next seven seasons, with each of them seeing him obtain at least 12 Sacks. O'Neal was one of the most ferocious pass rushers of his day, but his interrupted prime and stay with a Chargers team not known for defence has impacted his overall legacy.

O’Neal finished his career with St. Louis and Kansas City and would retire with 132.5 Sacks over his career.

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 2005
Position: Defensive End, Linebacker
Games Played: 196
Notable Statistics: 3 Interceptions
27 Interception Return Yards
1 Interception Return Touchdown
21 Forced Fumbles
16 Fumble Recoveries
99 Fumble Recovery Yards
1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
132.5 Quarterback Sacks
767 Combined Tackles
211 Solo Tackles*
67 Assisted Tackles*
8 Tackles for Loss**
116 Approximate Value

6 Playoff Games
1 Interception
3 Interception Return Yards
2.0 Quarterback Sacks
6 Combined Tackles
6 Solo Tackles

*Solo Tackles and Assisted Tackles were not statistics until the 1994 Season.
**Tackles for Loss was not a statistic until the 1999 Season.
Played For: Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams
College: Oklahoma State
Drafted: 1st Round, 8th Overall in 1986
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (1986)
UPI Defensive Rookie of the Year (1986)

Second Team All-Pro Selection (1994)
Pro Bowl Selection (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994 & 1995)
All-Rookie (1986)
Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
5th in 1992
Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recovery Yards (1) (1997)
Top Ten Finishes: Forced Fumbles (1) (1986)
Top Ten Finishes: Quarterback Sacks (6) (1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994 & 1995)
Notable All Time Rankings: 20. Quarterback Sacks: 132.5*
65. Forced Fumbles: 21

*This rank includes Pro Football Reference's unofficial tally from 1960 to 1981.
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Leslie O'Neal be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 87.8%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.2%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 0%

Last modified on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 01:18

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