During his career he played for the Sacramento Gold Miners of the CFL, and the Barcelona Dragons of the WLAF.
O'Brien played college football at Bowling Green State University, where he was a two-time All-Mid-American Conference selection.
[2] The Barcelona Dragons selected O'Brien in the 26th round of the 1995 World League Draft.
[3] He finished the season with 6.5 sacks[4] and earned first-team All-World League honors.
[5] Following the World League season, O'Brien was signed by the New England Patriots on July 11, 1995.