Former San Diego Charger defensive end Leslie O’Neal hits a different turf these days, and he does it for charity, as opposed to the way he hit the field for 13 years in the NFL. Pro Player Insiders’ Theresa Villano, was able to chat with Leslie before he hit the golf course to support the Wounded Marine Fund at La Costa Resort in San Diego.
O’Neal played his college ball as an Oklahoma State University Cowboy. He was a two-time All-American, is showcased in the OSU Hall of Honor and even ranks 
as one of the top ten Cowboy players. He was the runner up for the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top defensive player in 1985 and he finished his career at OSU fifth in all-time tackles with 351, including a tie for the 10th best season in Cowboy history with 134 tackles in 1984.
His senior year, he was drafted in the first round as the 8th pick overall to the Chargers. In San Diego, O’Neal’s skills took him to a whole new level. He was NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting 82 tackles and 12.5 sacks his first season. Over his career, he played with the Chargers, Rams and Chiefs and in thirteen seasons in the NFL, O’Neal was a six time Pro Bowl selection (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995), 3 time Second-team All-Pro selection (1990, 1992, 1994), and All Rookie and Defensive Rookie of The Year in 1986.
Pro Player Insiders: Tell us a little about your career.
Leslie O’Neil: I played linebacker a little bit defensive end mostly. I had a great time here in San Diego from 86 to 96. Then I went to St. Louis for two years, then Kansas City for two years.
PPI: I’m sure you get invited to a lot of charity events. What brings you to this one specifically?
LO: Just the people I know, Ms. Gandy and her husband have worked so hard for various different tournaments over the years whenever I can I try to get out and play as much as I can to lend my name to any kind of charity like this.
PPI: Were you able to see Michael with the two prosthetic legs?
LO: No I didn’t get a chance to see him. I heard about it. That’s phenomenal. More so recently you see more and more out there.
PPI: A lot of times NFL coaches and players allude to going out to battle or to war. What are some similarities that you see going in football and going to battle in Afghanistan?
LO: Well there are really no similarities. We were just playing a game of football. There’s no way I would compare football to anything related to the Marines or any armed services.
PPI: What is your favorite football memory?
LO: The most memorable time, which was short lived, was running through the tunnel at the Super Bowl here in San Diego. You knowing that every single football fan is watching the game. It was just a phenomenal feeling. It would’ve been better if we won, but it was a great feeling.
PPI: There’s a lot of good rookies out there and great players who have you been watching lately?
LO: You know, I really don’t care much for the rookies and the reason why I say that is cause a lot of times people will throw accolades on them right away. You know “great player, future star” that type of deal. Star, pro, all those things go after a career, after years, after time. I think someone can play well after a while and you start to think they can do it every time and they don’t necessarily do it and you become disappointed. Young players, if they can come in and play great, if they can’t you teach them.
PPI: Sometimes people think former players just sit around, they act retired. What have you been doing post football?
LO: Well lately I’ve just been trying to be healthy. My back went out on me. That’s about the only thing I’ve been doing right now. My golf game is suffering, but that’s okay right now.
Interview by Theresa Villano @Theresa_ppi
–Alec Short contributed to this story.
The Fairway Partners hosted the Wounded Marine Fund Event @WoundedMarineFD for more informaton visit www.thefairwaypartners.com Follow @FairwayPartners
– AList Productions Contributed pictures to this interview www.alistproductions.tv/ Follow @AListEventsUSA
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