Neil O'Donnell's career in professional football is remembered for his time as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Born on July 3, 1966, in Morristown, New Jersey, O'Donnell attended Madison High School before playing college football at the University of Maryland. His performance at Maryland caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the 1990 NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted O'Donnell in the third round as the 70th overall pick. He began his NFL career with the Steelers, where he played from 1991 to 1995. O'Donnell became the starting quarterback for the Steelers in 1992, taking over from Bubby Brister. During his tenure with the team, he developed a reputation for being a reliable and efficient passer. In 1994, he led the Steelers to an AFC Championship Game, although they fell short against the San Diego Chargers.
O'Donnell's most memorable season with the Steelers came in 1995 when he guided the team to Super Bowl XXX. The Steelers faced the Dallas Cowboys in the championship game, and despite a strong effort, Pittsburgh lost 27-17. O'Donnell's performance in the Super Bowl was marred by two critical interceptions, which were pivotal in the Cowboys' victory. Despite the loss, his leadership throughout the season was instrumental in the Steelers' success.
Following the 1995 season, O'Donnell became a free agent and signed with the New York Jets in 1996. His time with the Jets was challenging, as the team struggled to find success on the field. O'Donnell's tenure in New York was plagued by injuries and inconsistency, and he played with the Jets until 1997.
In 1998, O'Donnell joined the Cincinnati Bengals, where he played for one season. His experience and veteran presence were valuable to the Bengals, but the team did not achieve significant success during his time there. After leaving Cincinnati, O'Donnell signed with the Tennessee Titans in 1999.
With the Titans, O'Donnell served primarily as a backup quarterback to Steve McNair. He played a crucial role in supporting the team during McNair's injuries, providing stability and experience when called upon. O'Donnell was part of the Titans' roster during their run to Super Bowl XXXIV, although he did not play in the game. The Titans narrowly lost to the St. Louis Rams in one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in history.
O'Donnell continued to play for the Titans until his retirement from professional football in 2003. Over his career, he was known for his strong arm, accuracy, and ability to manage games effectively. While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, O'Donnell's career was marked by steady play and leadership on and off the field.
Throughout his time in the NFL, Neil O'Donnell played in 100 games, completing 2,496 passes for 21,690 yards and 120 touchdowns.
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