Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell announces father's death, leans on faith
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell announced the death of his father, Jim, and will miss a second straight game after the team deactivated him for Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints. O'Connell said his family is leaning on faith for comfort while grieving the loss.
Key Takeaways
- O'Connell announced on Instagram that his father, Jim, had passed and then deactivated his social media account.
- The Raiders ruled him out for Sunday's game against the Saints, his second consecutive missed contest.
- Coach Klint Kubiak said the team's prayers are with O'Connell and his family.
- O'Connell is Las Vegas' QB3 behind starter Kirk Cousins and top pick Fernando Mendoza.
What did Aidan O'Connell say about his father's death?
In a Friday Instagram post, O'Connell shared a photo with his mother and father and wrote that it was with "immense sadness" that he announced the passing of his dad, Jim.
"My Dad was a gift to me and to so many others," he wrote, according to Fox News Outkick. He said those who knew Jim could testify to the great man he was and the lives he impacted.
O'Connell said his family is heartbroken and relying on the Lord for comfort and peace. He thanked supporters for prayers and kindness and asked for continued prayers as they grieve, remember, and honor his father's life.
How is the Raiders quarterback leaning on faith?
O'Connell said he was echoing the Heidelberg Catechism in his time of sorrow. He quoted: "My only comfort in life and death is that I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ."
He closed by asking his father to rest in peace and saying the family will miss him more than words can say. After the post, he deactivated his social media account altogether.
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Will Aidan O'Connell play for the Raiders this Sunday?
No. The Las Vegas Raiders officially ruled O'Connell out of Sunday's game against the Saints at Caesars Superdome. He has not been with the team for more than a week following his father's death.
The team had listed him as questionable Friday with a chance he could join the club in New Orleans. Instead, he will miss a second consecutive game. FantasyPros earlier noted he was listed questionable for a personal matter ahead of the Chargers matchup as well.
"Our prayers are with Aidan and his family, and we miss him," coach Klint Kubiak said Friday. "Can't wait to get him back. He's a huge part of our team, and we love him."
O'Connell has been with the Raiders since they selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. He has played in 21 games with 3,932 yards and 20 touchdown passes. He opened the season as the emergency quarterback behind Cousins and Mendoza; Kubiak declined to say who would fill that role Sunday.