Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was absent from Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints due to personal reasons. Earlier in the week, he announced the passing of his father, Jim O’Connell.

Before deactivating his social media accounts, O’Connell shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, featuring a photo with his parents. He expressed profound grief over his father’s passing, describing Jim as a significant influence on everyone who knew him.

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O’Connell acknowledged the deep sorrow his family is experiencing and noted their reliance on faith for peace. He was grateful for the support and prayers the family received during this challenging time, asking for continued prayers as they grieve and honor his father’s memory.

Referencing the Heidelberg Catechism, he wrote about his faith providing comfort, expressing his belief that his father is now at peace.

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, he quoted.

O’Connell joined the Raiders in 2023, selected in the fourth round of the draft. Over 21 games, he accumulated 3,932 yards and 20 touchdown passes. Recently, he has been the third-string quarterback after the team added Kirk Cousins and drafted Fernando Mendoza as their number one pick.