Bills Star Ed Oliver Mourns Tragic Death of His 2-Year-Old Son

BUFFALO, New York — Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver is grieving the devastating loss of his 2-year-old son, who died after being found unresponsive in a residential swimming pool in Texas.

The toddler, also named Ed, died on June 28, but news of the tragedy only became public nearly two months later. The family had kept the loss private while they mourned.

A Tragedy Kept Private

According to authorities and reports, emergency responders were called to a home in the Houston area after the child was discovered unresponsive in a pool.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be saved.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as a tragic drowning and said the investigation was ongoing. The medical examiner later ruled the death an accidental drowning.

Oliver and his family chose not to publicly discuss the tragedy at the time.

The 28-year-old NFL player has now asked for privacy and prayers as he and his family cope with the loss.

Bills Stand Behind Their Teammate

The Buffalo Bills publicly acknowledged Oliver’s loss Saturday, with general manager Brandon Beane expressing condolences on behalf of the entire organization.

Beane described the death as an “unthinkable tragedy for any parent” and said the team would continue supporting Oliver and his family as they grieve.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen also spoke about Oliver following the team’s preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Allen said there was nothing teammates could say to make the situation better, but emphasized that the team would be there for Oliver in whatever way he needs.

Oliver Has Continued Working Through His Grief

Oliver reported to Buffalo’s training camp as scheduled and participated in the team’s preseason opener earlier this month.

He has since missed practices and did not travel with the team to Cleveland for Saturday’s preseason game. The team has listed him as dealing with an undisclosed injury.

Those close to the situation have emphasized that Oliver has been trying to handle an unimaginable personal loss while remaining connected to his teammates.

A Young Father Facing an Unthinkable Loss

Oliver was selected by the Bills with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft after starring at the University of Houston.

He has spent his entire NFL career in Buffalo and has become an important part of the team’s defense.

Away from football, however, he is now facing a tragedy far greater than anything that happens on a football field.

His son died just weeks before his second birthday, leaving Oliver and his family to cope with a loss that no parent should have to endure.

The Bills organization, teammates and fans have rallied around Oliver while respecting his family’s request for privacy.

For now, the focus is not on football but on giving a grieving father and his family the time and space they need to heal.