Tim O'Neill enters his 22nd season as the Lions head equipment manager and his 28th NFL season in 2023. He originally joined the Lions in 2002 and served as the assistant equipment manager for two seasons before being promoted by the club to head equipment manager in 2004.
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 four different Senior Bowls (2003, 2010, 2013 and 2019). 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.
