3 days ago
Former Texas A&M defensive back earns United Football League honors
Former Texas A&M defensive back earns United Football League honors
Former Texas A&M defensive back Leon O'Neal Jr. has become known as the heart of the United Football League's Houston Roughnecks organization with his dedication and determination on the gridiron.
The hours of hard work have paid dividends for the former Aggie Heart Award winner, as he was named to the All-UFL Team on Monday morning.
O'Neal Jr. made an immediate impact with Texas A&M in 2018, where he recorded 14 total tackles and one interception in 13 games played as a freshman. From that moment forward, he was all over the field for the Aggies. He finished his collegiate career with 161 total tackles, 18 pass deflections, and six interceptions, becoming one of the most experienced and talented defensive backs in the Southeastern Conference.
Following his four-year career in Bryan-College Station, Texas, O'Neal Jr. entered his name into the 2022 NFL Draft. After being undrafted, he would eventually sign with the San Francisco 49ers, before being cut in 2023 and venturing into the Canadian Football League with the Edmonton Elks.
Since being signed by the Roughnecks on January 28, 2025, the former Aggie has recorded 46 total tackles, one sack and one pick-six during the UFL regular season. Above his play on the gridiron is his heart and gritty personality that uplifts everyone around him.
That, among many other noble personality traits, is the reason that O'Neal was also named as a UFL Sportsman of the Year nominee, which is awarded to the player in the league who demonstrates excellent dedication to serving the community and incredible aptitude on the field.
Congrats Leon O'Neal Jr., UFL Sportsman of the Year Nominee 👏 — Houston Roughnecks (@XFLRoughnecks) June 2, 2025
Although the Roughnecks are not competing in the UFL's postseason, O'Neal Jr. announced that he is already on the grind preparing for next season.
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