Vikings RT Brian O’Neill headed to NFL Pro Bowl Games

Brian O'Neill #75 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates after the game against the against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on November 06, 2022 in Landover, Maryland.  ((Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images))

The Minnesota Vikings will have seven players at the NFL Pro Bowl Games after the team announced Monday that veteran right tackle Brian O’Neill has been selected.

O’Neill is replacing Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson, who won’t be able to participate with the Eagles facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. It’s O’Neill’s second career trip to the Pro Bowl, and first since 2021.

O’Neill is joining Sam Darnold, Justin Jefferson, Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, Byron Murphy Jr. and Andrew DePaola at the Pro Bowl Games.

O’Neill’s season

Why it matters: O’Neill started all 17 regular season games and has started 106 of his 110 games over seven seasons with the Vikings. O’Neill was also a team captain this season for the fourth time in his career.

He played 1,100 regular season snaps, fifth-most among tackles in the NFL. His Week 12 start at Chicago was the 100th of his career.

O’Neill allowed just two sacks this season, and his 81.2 pass blocking grade by Pro Football Focus was the best of his career. He had one of the best seasons of his career after his 2023 season ended with a partial tear of his Achilles.

What’s next

What we know: The Pro Bowl Games feature two events, starting with a skills competition on Thursday night on ESPN. Other events include dodgeball, tug-of-war, and a punting competition.

There will be a flag football game Sunday afternoon on ABC and ESPN. The teams will be coached by Peyton and Eli Manning.

O’Neill signed a five-year contract with the Vikings worth $92.5 million, and is under contract in Minnesota through the 2026 season. Like the rest of the team, he’ll likely take some time off after the Pro Bowl until the Vikings reconvene in the spring to start their offseason workout program.

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