Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell is dealing with an unimaginable loss after revealing that his father, Jim, has died.
O’Connell announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram on Thursday, September 24, sharing a series of photographs with his father and remembering him as a remarkable man who touched the lives of countless people.
The 28-year-old quarterback said his family is devastated by the loss and expressed gratitude to everyone who has offered prayers, kindness and support during this difficult period.
“My family and I are heartbroken by this loss,” O’Connell wrote, explaining that his family is relying on their faith for comfort and peace as they mourn Jim.
The announcement also provided context surrounding O’Connell’s absence from the Raiders’ Week 2 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Las Vegas had announced shortly before the September 20 matchup that the quarterback would miss the game because of a personal matter.
O’Connell hasn’t appeared in a game for the Raiders this season and is currently behind veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza on the quarterback depth chart.
Despite his reduced role, he’s remained an important part of the team after beginning his NFL career in Las Vegas.
The Purdue product has started 17 of the 21 regular-season games he’s played during his professional career and has thrown 20 touchdown passes.
His immediate return to the field, however, is understandably secondary as he and his family cope with the loss of Jim.
Raiders community rallies around O’Connell
Following his announcement, O’Connell received an outpouring of support from teammates, former players and friends.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby was among those who sent a message of support, while former Las Vegas quarterback Derek Carr also offered prayers for O’Connell and his family.
Charlie Jones, O’Connell’s former college teammate at Purdue and current New York Giants wide receiver, also remembered Jim warmly. Jones described him as an incredible man and sent his love and prayers to the family.
The loss is particularly painful given the adversity O’Connell’s family has faced in recent years. His mother, Kathy, was seriously injured in a car accident in 2020 and endured months of surgeries and rehabilitation.
In 2022, another devastating tragedy struck when O’Connell’s brother, Sean, died at the age of 27 after suffering cardiac arrest. O’Connell remembered Sean as a devoted son, brother and friend who brought contagious joy wherever he went.
Once again, O’Connell has turned to his Christian faith while confronting profound grief. In his message about Jim, he referenced Scripture and the Heidelberg Catechism, saying his family is trusting that his father is finally at peace.
“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,” wrote Aidan.
He ended his tribute with a simple but deeply emotional farewell: “Rest in peace, Dad. We love you and will miss you more than words can say.”
The Raiders are scheduled to face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, September 27. The team hasn’t announced when O’Connell is expected to return.
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