Raiders Quarterback Aidan O'Connell Explains Absence Due to Father's Death
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback revealed on Instagram that his absence from the team this week was due to the recent passing of his father, Jim.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell has announced that his recent absence from team activities was due to the death of his father, Jim. O'Connell, 28, had not attended practice all week, with his absence previously described as being for "personal reasons."
In a statement posted to Instagram, O'Connell shared the news of his father's passing. "It is with immense sadness that I share the passing of my Dad, Jim," he wrote, accompanying the post with several photos of himself with his father. "My Dad was a gift to me and to so many others. All who were fortunate enough to know him can testify to the great man he was. He impacted countless lives, and those who knew him were better for it."
He continued, "My family and I are heartbroken by this loss, and we are relying on the Lord for comfort and peace. We are incredibly thankful for the prayers, kindness, and support that have surrounded our family during this difficult time. We ask for continued prayers as we grieve, remember, and honor my Dad’s life and the impact he had."
No cause of death has been officially released, and it remains unclear when O'Connell will return to the team. He missed the Raiders' recent victory over the Chargers and has not been present at the team's practice facility this week.
"Saying goodbye to him has been incredibly difficult for all of us," O'Connell added in his statement. "But we are holding tightly to the promises of Scripture and trusting that Dad is at peace, finally and forever."
O'Connell is in his fourth season with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was selected by the team in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft after playing college football at Purdue. This season, he is currently third on the depth chart behind starter Kirk Cousins and backup Fernando Mendoza.
