One day before facing the Los Angeles Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that third-string quarterback Aidan O’Connell would be missing the game as he attended to a personal matter.
O’Connell updated fans on the heartbreaking reason with an Instagram post on Thursday evening.
“It is with immense sadness that I share the passing of my Dad, Jim. 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.,” O’Connell wrote. “He impacted countless lives, and those who knew him were better for it. 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. Saying goodbye to him has been incredibly difficult for all of us. But we are holding tightly to the promises of Scripture and trusting that Dad is at peace, finally and forever.
“We echo the Heidelberg Catechism: ‘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.’ Rest in peace, Dad. We love you and will miss you more than words can say.”
O’Connell has dealt with adversity on the football field during his three-year NFL career, all of which have been with the Raiders.
The former Purdue standout is currently the emergency quarterback for the Raiders behind veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza on the depth chart.
But losing a loved one can make sports feel insignificant.
Raiders fans will keep O’Connell and his family in their thoughts.
