Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver has been carrying a heavy burden over the past two months as it became public on Saturday that he has been mourning the loss of his 2-year-old son, who died in a drowning accident in June.
And now all of Western New York, which has adopted the Bills as family, is mourning.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 29: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before a preseason game against he Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field on August 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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The Bills on Saturday released a statement when Oliver's tragic situation became public through social media speculation.
"On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son," a statement from Bill general manager Brandon Beane reads.
"It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."
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Oliver's son, also named Ed, died at the family ranch near Houston in Harris County, Texas. He was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive in the pool on June 28.
No other details are known at this time.
Oliver did not make the trip with the team to Cleveland for Saturday's preseason game against the Browns.
He has, per the team, also been dealing with an unspecified injury that has caused him to miss practice the past few days but that has not prevented him from being around the team.
Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills reacts after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Oliver has been with the Bills since 2019, when he was drafted in the first round to upgrade the interior of the team's defensive line. He has become a staple of the unit with is run defense and has even contributed 30 sacks.
That seems less important now.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) collides with New York Jets quarterback Mike White (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Oliver and his family are asking for privacy and prayers during this difficult time, a source said.
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Armando Salguero is OutKick's Senior NFL Writer.
