Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was listed as inactive for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints after announcing the death of his father, Jim, earlier in the week.
O’Connell shared the news on Friday in a post on Instagram, saying it was with “immense sadness” that he was sharing the passing of his dad. He also wrote that his father was a gift to him and many others, and said his family was relying on the Lord for comfort and peace.
The Raiders drafted O’Connell in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, and he has been with the team since then. He started this season in the QB3 spot after the Raiders signed Kirk Cousins and drafted Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall earlier in the offseason.
In his message, O’Connell added that his “only comfort in life and death” comes from belonging to Jesus Christ, and he closed by saying, “Rest in peace, Dad. We love you and will miss you more than words can say.”
For the Raiders, his absence leaves the quarterback room even thinner for a Week 3 matchup at Allegiant Stadium. More importantly, it reflects a personal loss that clearly took priority over football.
