Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady and quarterback Josh Allen have publicly offered their support for defensive lineman Ed Oliver after the tragic death of his 2-year-old son. Oliver's son reportedly drowned in a swimming pool on June 28.
Brady stated that he could not fathom what Oliver is going through, emphasizing the importance of providing him with space and privacy. "There's really not words to describe in those moments," Brady said. "As a coach, as a father, it's my job to be there for what he needs from me right now. And that's loving him and giving him the privacy he deserves."
Despite the tragedy, Oliver has shown resilience, continuing to participate in practices in the weeks following his son's death, though he is now sidelined due to an injury. Brady commended Oliver's strength, noting, "I can't imagine it. I don't have the words, but all I can do is just be there for him in whatever way that he needs."
Allen echoed Brady's sentiments, expressing sadness and anger that the news broke before Oliver could share it on his own terms. "Many in Buffalo’s locker room already knew, and that makes me very, very sad and angry that Oliver could not announce it on his own terms," Allen said. He praised Oliver's fortitude in remaining with the team at training camp so soon after the incident. "I couldn’t imagine the strength that it takes to do that," Allen added. "And for him to be that strong for him himself and his family. I can’t speak enough about it. It’s hard. Like I said, it’s just it’s very hard to wrap your mind around a teammate going through a situation like that, because as you have kids, you understand what what that could be like and what that could feel like."
According to multiple reports, Oliver and his wife discovered their son unresponsive in their pool. The toddler was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead later that evening. Video footage showed Oliver visibly distressed outside his home speaking with local officials.
A source close to Oliver indicated that he is requesting "privacy and prayers at this very difficult time."