Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell shares heartfelt tribute to late father

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell paid a touching tribute to his late father, Jim, on Instagram following the news of his passing. In the heartfelt post, O'Connell expressed his gratitude for his father, saying that he was a "gift" to both his son and others. He went on to describe his father's impact, stating that many can confirm his "great man" status and his ability to improve the lives of those around him.

O'Connell ended his tribute with a message of love and remembrance: "Rest in peace, Dad. We love you and will miss you more than words can say."

The news of Jim O'Connell's death prompted Aidan O'Connell to take a step back from the Las Vegas Raiders team, missing practice and being absent from team facilities during the previous week. Additionally, he missed the team's victory against the Los Angeles Chargers earlier in the season, which was reportedly due to family matters. The absence has now been clarified as the result of this tragic loss in the family.

O'Connell, now 28 years old, lost his older brother, Sean O'Connell, in 2022 during his senior season at Purdue University. Several of his teammates, including Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, and Jack Bech, shared condolences on the post announcing the passing of his father. O'Connell is currently in his fourth season with the Raiders, serving as the team's third-string signal caller behind Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza.

Throughout his career, O'Connell has played in 21 games and started 17 of them, amassing a 7-10 record as a starter.