James Madison Football Star Eric O’Neill Makes Waves with Iconic Celebration During Boca Raton Bowl Victory

The James Madison Dukes secured a decisive victory against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers in the Boca Raton Bowl on Wednesday night. One of the highlights of the game came from defensive lineman Eric O’Neill, whose standout performance and unique celebration captured the attention of fans nationwide.

O’Neill’s pivotal play involved sacking Hilltoppers quarterback Caden Veltkamp, after which he celebrated by mimicking the act of emptying a “sack.” This bold gesture was not his first time showcasing such a celebration, and it quickly gained traction among college football enthusiasts on social media.

The dynamic defensive lineman, sporting jersey #99, recorded three tackles, including a critical sack, contributing significantly to James Madison’s 27-17 victory. Speaking to ESPN post-game, O’Neill expressed his elation:“It’s surreal. This is probably the greatest moment of my life. We’ve got a lot of guys from smaller football programs who no one really believed in coming out of high school. To finish the season 9-4 and win our first bowl game at JMU—it’s like a dream come true.”

Eric O’Neill, a redshirt junior from New York, transferred from Long Island University to join James Madison before the 2024 season. His move paid off as he played a pivotal role in the Dukes’ inaugural bowl game victory since transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in 2022.

During his interview with The Breeze, O’Neill elaborated on his now-viral celebration:“It’s all about hard work and having fun. I’m a huge fan of UFC, so I thought I’d channel some of that energy into the celebration. I get it, though—if I were on the opposing side and someone did that to my quarterback, I’d probably want to shove them too.”

This monumental win marks a significant milestone for the Dukes, solidifying their rise to prominence in the FBS. The team transitioned from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) under the leadership of former coach Curt Cignetti, who is now coaching the Indiana Hoosiers. The Dukes’ new head coach, Bob Chesney, guided them to this historic victory in his first season at the helm.

O’Neill’s remarkable season has earned him recognition as a First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference defensive lineman. His stats for the season include 13 sacks, 52 tackles, and one interception returned for a touchdown, establishing him as a dominant force on the field.

James Madison’s triumph at the Boca Raton Bowl is not just a victory for the program but a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. With O’Neill and his teammates continuing to break barriers, the future looks bright for the James Madison Dukes as they solidify their place in the FBS.

The win not only showcases the team’s growth but also highlights O’Neill’s potential as one of the standout defensive players in college football. His passion, talent, and entertaining celebrations ensure he will remain a fan favorite for seasons to come.