Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is remembering his father, Jim, who died recently, Aidan announced via Instagram on Thursday, September 24.
“It is with immense sadness that I share the passing of my Dad, Jim,” he wrote alongside a trio of photos with his dad.
Aidan, 28, continued, “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.”
Aidan’s announcement comes after he missed the Raiders’ Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, September 20, for personal reasons. Entering his fourth season with the team, he has yet to see action in a game this season, backing up starter Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Overall, he has started in 17 of 21 career games, throwing for 20 touchdowns.
“My family and I are heartbroken by this loss, and we are relying on the Lord for comfort and peace,” Aidan wrote. “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.”
“Rest in peace, Dad,” he concluded. “We love you and will miss you more than words can say.”
Aidan’s post has drawn an outpouring of support from fans and his fellow players.
“Love you brother. 🙏🏼🖤,” Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby wrote.
Derek Carr, who played quarterback for the Raiders from 2014 to 2022, the year before Aidan was a rookie, added, “Praying for you 🙏.”
Charlie Jones, a New York Giants wide receiver and Aidan’s college teammate at Purdue, chimed in with, “He truly was an incredible man. Praying for you and your family. Love you brother 🙏❤️.”
The death of Aidan’s father is the latest in a series of personal struggles the quarterback has had to endure over the past few years. His mother, Kathy, was involved in a serious car accident in 2020 and required months of surgeries and rehabilitation to recover.
In 2022, his brother, Sean, died at age 27 after going into cardiac arrest.
“Sean was not only one of Purdue football’s biggest fans, but he was a better son, brother and friend,” Aidan, then in college, said in a statement at the time. “He lit up any room he walked in and all that knew him testify to his contagious joy. We trust the lord to provide strength and hope, and we appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time.”
The Raiders have not announced when Aidan is expected to return to the team. Las Vegas’ next game is on Sunday, September 27 in New Orleans against the Saints.
