Bill O'Brien Ready To Bring "The Boom" To The Boston Cannons
Bill O'Brien Ready To Bring "The Boom" To The Boston Cannons And Major League Lacrosse In 2019
On March 20th the Boston Cannons in the MLL Supplemental Draft the Boston Cannons acquired a defenseman by the name of Bill O'Brien.
"I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the Boston Cannons in the MLL. Boston is an amazing city and one of the sport's capitals of the world. I’m looking forward to bringing my skill set to the cannons and ultimately pursuing an MLL championship." O'Brien told Trifecta Sports.
O'Brien, 31-years-old, has quite the story, definitely more than meets the eye.
The Lafayette, New York native was a three sport athlete in high school playing football, ice hockey, and lacrosse and received a D1 scholarship to go play football at Sacred Heart University.
O'Brien went on to be an all-conference defensive end at Sacred Heart and severed as the teams two-time Captain. Right out of college he was invited to try out of the Buffalo Bills of the NFL.
But football wasn't the path for O'Brien who made the difficult decision to hang up his cleats in football
"It was a difficult decision to hang up the cleats in football, but ultimately I knew I wanted to continue competing, and lacrosse presented an opportunity to do so. Playing with the Onondaga Redhawks in 2014 afforded me the opportunity to earn a spot with the New England Blackwolves that same year." said O'Brien.
O'Brien's football past has helped cultivate his skills as a lacrosse player and ultimately make a better all-around athlete.
His journey is one that other athletes can look at and learn from.
"Being a multisport athlete like myself, I would say that there are certain skills that are transferrable to all professional levels: mental toughness, discipline, and hunger can be applied to not only professional sports, but whatever path you pursue. Playing Division I football at Sacred Heart University, I was able to develop my foundational skills as an athlete, and use those same skills to transition to professional indoor lacrosse and now to the MLL. ultimately, to be at the pinnacle of any occupation, professional sports or other, you have to improve every day and consciously want to get better." said O'Brien.
Photo Credit: Sacred Heart Pioneers
The Path To MLL And The Boston Cannons
After O'Brien ended his football career he was invited in 2014 to the New England Black Wolves free agent camp where he ended up making the team.
O'Brien played for the Black Wolves until he was released after three seasons with the Black Wolves and ultimately was a fan favorite.
After his release their was mass support from the teams supporters who were sad to see the physical defender go and some even threatened to cancel their season tickets as a petition started to bring him back.
"It meant the world to me. As I reflect on it now, I’m extremely grateful for the fans and the friends that I made with my time in New England. I’m excited to rekindle a lot of those friendships as I suit up with the Boston Cannons for the 2019 MLL season." said O'Brien.
O'Brien however was scooped up in January of 2018 by the Buffalo Bandits on the NLL and then after one season in Buffalo entered the MLL 2019 Supplemental Draft this off-season.
Photo Credit: Buffalo Bandits
O'Brien Dedicated To Honing His Craft
The defenseman outside of his NLL time has been playing as much as he can with his most recent experience coming in the Arena Lacrosse League with the St. Catherine's Shockwaves.
"All year round I’m playing lacrosse. Currently, I’m playing in the Arena Lacrosse League with the St. Catherine’s Shockwave and we’re on the hunt to hoist the cup at the end of the season. That doesn’t stop me from training daily. Some of my main focus points are being explosive, strong and in great condition. After being drafted I focused more on using a 6-foot pole, and open field footwork." said O'Brien.
For Boston Cannons fans they can expect "The Boom!" from O'Brien in the 2019 season.
"After speaking with the coaching staff, I know they’re looking for a physical presence on the back end. I will be that physical presence. I’ve always gravitated toward a physical style of play, and am looking forward to throwing the body around and imposing my will on offensive players." said O'Brien.
When chatting with Boston Cannons Head Coach Sean Quirk about O'Brien he was also looking forward to his physical play as well as the professional experience he can bring to the Cannons.
"Bill brings experience playing professionally and an incredible sense of leadership to the Cannons. His work ethic off the field to get better in every facet is extremely impressive. He plays a very physical style that will add to our blue collar mentality and style of play." Coach Quirk told Trifecta Sports.
With all the changes O'Brien is excited for the upcoming MLL season and he is very optimistic about the future of the league.
"It’s an exciting time in lacrosse right now. The changes that have occurred in the MLL have positioned the league for maximum growth. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the MLL as it continues to grow and be the pinnacle of outdoor lacrosse." said O'Brien.
Bill O'Brien and the Boston Cannons will kick off their 2019 MLL season on June 19th against the New York Lizards.