Anna Raridon Supports Husband Eli on Patriots Sideline Weeks After Newborn Son's Death

New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon played in his team's 45-17 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, with his wife, Anna, present on the sideline for support. This appearance comes less than two weeks after the couple announced the death of their newborn son, Peter James, on September 11.

Raridon, a rookie who was drafted 95th overall out of Notre Dame, recorded five catches for 57 yards in the game. He was seen posing for a photo with Anna, who wore a custom sweater featuring his image and jersey number. Ann Michael Maye, wife of quarterback Drake Maye, also shared a sideline photo with Anna.

The couple had announced their son's loss on September 29, stating that Peter James died shortly after birth. Anna Raridon later shared that the family learned at her 20-week pregnancy scan that their son had been diagnosed with anencephaly, a rare and fatal condition where the neural tube does not close properly during pregnancy, affecting the development of the brain and skull. Babies born with anencephaly typically do not survive long after birth.

In a statement shared on social media, Anna expressed her devastation but also gratitude for having loved her son. She wrote about finding strength in faith during their difficult time and reflected on the profound impact their son, though brief, had on their lives.

Raridon, 22, has been establishing himself in the Patriots' offense this season. He scored his first career touchdown on his first reception in Week 1. He had left the previous game after an ankle injury but returned for Sunday's contest, which marked his most productive game to date. Raridon and Anna, who were high school sweethearts, married in May 2025 and announced their pregnancy in March, shortly before Raridon's NFL draft selection.