Brian O’Neill has blocked some of the NFL’s best pass-rushers, from Aaron Donald to Micah Parsons. He’s played in four NFL playoff games.
And yet, his biggest challenge on June 12? Fending off middle school-age football players as they worked on blocking drills.
O’Neill, the Pro Bowl Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle, led rotating groups of kids through blocking drills as he hosted his annual football camp June 12 at the Titus Sports Performance Academy in Wilmington. Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder accompanied him as the two led around 100 in attendance through various drills, alongside high school coaches.
O’Neil stressed that the camp had been a great opportunity for him to get involved in giving back to Delaware’s youth.
“The people have always been awesome to us here in this community,” he said. “It’s a great way to say connected.”
Reeder and O’Neill both expressed pride in seeing the camp grow, in their fifth year of hosting it.
“It’s so cool getting to see kids come back, and you’re starting to see them improve,” Reeder said. “We have so much fun doing this.”
Delaware connections continue beyond high school ball
For Reeder and O’Neill, the camp provides more than an opportunity to help out Delaware’s youth; it allows them to stay connected. The two NFL players played together at Salesianum, winning a state championship in 2013.
“From the time we were sophomores in high school, Troy was the first person to show me how to take football seriously, and work out hard,” O’Neill said.
The players, alongside Pittsburgh Steelers safety Darnell Savage, who attended Caravel University, remain close, despite the long distances between them. Savage was unable to attend, as Pittsburgh is in the middle of its mandatory minicamp, but his parents were there, donned in Steelers shirts.
Reeder hopes those attending build similar connections, having fun alongside fellow aspiring players and growing in the process.
“A lot of these kids have the same life we were living, the same dreams,” Reeder said. “It’s about helping them reach their potential.”
O’Neill, Reeder face big years ahead
Amidst the feel-good atmosphere of the camp, both O’Neill and Reeder approach significant challenges in the year to come. O’Neill is playing on the last year of his contract, after multiple Pro Bowl seasons. He’ll also be working with a new offensive line coach; former Vikings coach Chris Kuper left this offseason to become the Eagles’ offensive line coach, replaced by assistant coach Keith Carter.
“Any time you get a new coach and new messaging, you’re going to be challenged a bit,” O’Neill said. “Being a little bit uncomfortable is helpful for everybody, though.”
The star offensive tackle also enters the last year of his contract after eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a situation he explained he’s not stressed about, despite the added pressure it could realistically bring.
“I love playing football, and I love the Minnesota Vikings,” O’Neill said. “My dad always told me play your butt off, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Reeder, on the other hand, sits as a free agent after spending three years with the Rams. With the NFL’s mandatory minicamps underway, time is running out for him to join a team before the season begins. However, the linebacker seems unbothered, savoring the time with his family.
“I know football doesn’t last forever, and I’m having fun getting to be dad and husband,” said Reeder, who has two children ages 1 and 3.
Despite all the challenges that await them this season, the players’ main stressor at the moment was ensuring the youth players received a great experience.
“It’s weird, they’ll remember the smallest little thing from a past camp, and I’ll be like ‘I better make sure I’m telling them the right thing, because it’ll stick with them’,” O’Neill said with a laugh. “Hopefully it’s a cool experience for them, and I need to make sure I’m on my A-game.”
Adam Denn is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at apdenn@delawareonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware NFL stars Brian O’Neill, Troy Reeder host annual youth camp
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