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68. Leslie O'Neal

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Drafted 8th 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 suffered a knee injury that took him out for a year and a half, but by 1989 he was ready to return, and he was named to the Pro Bowl in six of his next seven seasons, each time recording at least 12 Sacks.  O'Neal was one of the most ferocious pass rushers of his day, but his interrupted prime and time with a Chargers team not known for defense have 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.

IMG 0929

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: 178 Games Started
    3 Interceptions
    27 Interception Return Yards
    1 Interception Return Touchdown
    27 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
    6 Playoff Games Started
    1 Interception
    3 Interception Return Yards
    1 Forced Fumble*
    2.0 Quarterback Sacks
    6 Combined Tackles**
    6 Solo Tackles**

    *Forced Fumbles were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1977 to 1998
    **Solo Tackles and Assisted Tackles were not statistics until the 1994 Season.
    ***Tackles for Loss were 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)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1994)
    AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (1986)
    UPI Defensive Rookie of the Year (1986)
    Pro Bowl Selection (6) (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: 21. Quarterback Sacks: 132.5*
    42. Forced Fumbles: 21

    *This rank includes Pro Football Reference's unofficial tally from 1960 to 1981.
    **Forced Fumbles were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1977 to 1998
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Semi-Finalist: 2018

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

Definitely put him in! - 88.1%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 11.9%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Thursday, 17 September 2026 18:11

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