After recovering from his injury, Aidan O’Connell, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, returned to lead the Las Vegas Raiders against the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday (29 November 2024).
It took the Raiders nearly 45 minutes to find the end zone, but once they did, they quickly took another trip.
Highlights
- Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Aidan O’Connell hails from Long Grove, Illinois.
- He is one of six children born to his parents, Brian and Karen O’Connell.
- The NFL quarterback has five siblings: four brothers – Sean, Patrick, Liam, and Seamus – and one sister, Grace.
- He lost his elder brother, Sean O’Connell, in November 2022.
After a Brock Bowers touchdown in the 29 Nov game cut the Chiefs’ lead to 16-10 late in the third quarter, O’Connell led the Raiders on a comeback.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, he connected with wide receiver Tre Tucker for a 58-yard score, giving the Raiders a 17-16 lead after the extra point.
O’Connell grew up in Long Grove, Illinois. The NFL quarterback played football and basketball in high school.
Despite not being a top recruit, the 26-year-old threw for a record 2,741 yards and 26 touchdowns in his senior year.
Over his college career, the Long Grove native went from a walk-on to becoming one of the beast quarterbacks in Purdue history.
He set several records and earned recognition as a second-team All-Big Ten player in 2021 and 2022.
His determination and hard work paid off when the Las Vegas Raiders selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Aidan’s family has been by his side throughout his journey, providing support and encouragement.
Aidan O’Connell’s Parents Brian And Karen Have Truly Been The Foundation Of Strength And Support For His Career
Aidan O’Connell was born on 1 September 1998 in Long Grove, Illinois. He is one of six children born to his mother and father, Karen and Brian O’Connell.
Brian and Karen raised their five sons (Sean, Patrick, Aidan, Liam, and Seamus) and one daughter (Grace) in Illinois. Aidan played both football and basketball while attending Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
As for the profession and other details of his parents, little information is available publicly.
But later, he focused only on football and committed to Purdue in 2017. The quarterback didn’t play for two seasons. He made his first appearance for the Boilermakers in 2019.
After playing two seasons, he declared for the 2023 NFL draft. Raiders selected him in the fourth round.
Aidan is not the only athlete in his family. According to his bio on Purdue University’s website, his older brother, Patrick O’Connell, was a senior defensive lineman at Wheaton College.
Aidan, Lost His Elder Brother Sean In 2022
Aidan O’Connell has endured unbearable pain in his life after losing his elder brother, whom he was very close with.
The NFL quarterback’s elder brother, Sean O’Connell, tragically passed away in November 2022.
Aidan broke the sad news a few days after Sean’s passing on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of my oldest brother, Sean.”
“Sean was not only one of Purdue Football’s biggest fans, but he was a better son, brother, and friend. 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.”
Aidan O’Connell
At the time, the quarterback was still playing for Purdue University. During a game against Indiana, he was seen crying on the bench.
A message from Aidan O'Connell and his family.
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) November 27, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/XDbg2d3bcU
The heartbroken brother didn’t attend the post-game news conference. Purdue’s coach, Jeff Brohm, became very emotional while talking to the media about it.
The day after the game, Aidan announced his brother’s passing. The exact cause of his brother Sean’s de-th wasn’t explained.
However, an autopsy reportedly suggested it might have been due to heart issues and natural causes.
Additional Information
- According to Spotrac, Aidan O’Connell’s total career earnings are $2,174,380.
- O’Connell signed a 4-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders worth $4,349,380. This includes a $509,380 signing bonus and a guaranteed $509,380.
- His average annual salary is $1,087,345. In 2024, he will earn a base salary of $915,000, a cap hit of $1,042,345, and a dead cap value of $382,035.
- O’Connell is married to Jael O’Connell (formerly Jael Marie Johnson). They met at Purdue University through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and got married in July 2022.
- Jael played volleyball for Purdue and was even named the Indiana Volleyball Player of the Year in 2018.
