Tim O'Neill enters his first season as the Lions director of equipment operations in what will serve as his 25th season with the club and 31st season in the NFL. He originally joined the Lions as the assistant equipment manager (2002-03) before serving as the head equipment manager for 22 seasons (2004-25).
In his current role, O'Neill oversees the planning, coordinating and direction for all of the team's daily equipment operations. As part of his primary responsibilities, O'Neill and his staff manage the entire logistical operation for the club's daily outfitting, uniform and apparel needs for both players and football staff members. He came to Detroit in 2002 after serving as an equipment assistant for the Green Bay Packers for six seasons (1995-2000). During his time in Green Bay, O'Neill helped the club reach consecutive Super Bowl appearances (XXXI and XXXII), including claiming a Super Bowl title (XXXI) while on staff.
In 2022, O'Neill was elected to the executive board of PFEMS (Professional Football Equipment Managers Society), where he helps lead dialogue between clubs' equipment staffs, disseminate best practices and promote the highest standard and improvement of football equipment.
With more than 20 seasons of experience, O'Neill has also assisted with the NFL's equipment staffs for multiple events such as the 2009 Pro Bowl, in addition to five different Senior Bowls (2003, 2010, 2013, 2019 and 2022). In 2008, O'Neill was named the Whitey Zimmerman Equipment Manager of the Year, an honor voted on by peers across the NFL for the League's top equipment manager. His staff was also named the New Era Equipment Staff of the Year in 2017. As a certified member of the Athletic Equipment Managers Association, O'Neill helps promote and advance equipment improvements for the greater safety of all participants in sports and recreation.
