Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently spoke out about the tragic drowning of his teammate Ed Oliver’s 2-year-old son, also named Ed.
“First off, I want to express my gratitude to those who knew about it and gave him the time and space he needed. It’s an incredibly sad situation,” Allen, 30, said to reporters during a press conference on Saturday, August 22. “The way the news emerged was really upsetting and infuriating.”
The Buffalo Bills organization announced the death of Oliver’s son on Saturday following speculation by sports influencers on social media. NFL insiders confirmed they knew of the toddler’s death but delayed reporting out of respect for Oliver, 28, and his family.
Allen, who became a father to daughter Harper with wife Hailee Steinfeld in April, expressed his disappointment over the leaked information, describing it as “very unfortunate.”
“As a teammate of [Ed] and as a member of this locker room, all we can do is support him,” Allen continued. “There’s nothing that can be said to ease the pain, other than being there for him in any way he needs. That’s the essence of being teammates — supporting and uplifting each other during tough times. I can’t fathom what he’s going through.”
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to a “life-in-danger” call at Oliver’s Texas home on June 28, where they found the child unresponsive in the pool. (ESPN and TMZ first reported the incident.) The child was taken to a Houston hospital and was declared dead at 7:18 pm. Oliver was not directly named in the Sheriff’s Office statement.
Us has reached out to the sheriff’s office for further comments.
“There are no words, nothing one can do,” Allen reiterated on Saturday. “In such situations, it’s about being present, letting them feel what they need to feel. We’ve been giving him space and time, while also being there for him. Many in the locker room, especially on the D-line, were aware and have been rallying around him. He’s absent right now, but not due to this tragedy.”
Allen added, “Just being there and offering silent support is essential. We want him to know we’ve got his back. Let’s focus on football. The team is very conscious of what he’s experiencing, and we’re here for him however he needs.”
The Bills organization has been aware of Oliver’s son’s death since it happened and has been aligned with him in sharing public condolences, as reported by ESPN.
Despite the tragedy, Oliver has been attending the Bills’ training camp activities. He was not part of the team’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday due to a “minor injury,” per ESPN. (The Bills won against the Browns, 31-7.)
Earlier that day, the Buffalo Bills extended their condolences to Oliver and his family during their mourning period.
Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images
“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” stated the team’s general manager, Brandon Beane. “It’s an unimaginable tragedy for any parent.”
He further stated, “We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all mourn this loss.”
Bills head coach Joe Brady told reporters on Saturday that he cannot comprehend the pain the Oliver family is experiencing.
“Whatever mourning looks like for them, however they choose to handle it, that’s how we will support them,” Brady, 36, explained. “He’s not present at [Saturday’s preseason game] due to an injury, not because of the tragedy.”
He concluded, “It’s difficult every time I see him. Words have failed me since this happened. All I can do is be there for him in any way he needs.”
Oliver, who has been with the Bills since being drafted ninth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, also played for the University of Houston Cougars in college. He shares a daughter, Eva, with his partner Dymond Gladney.
For more essential information on pool safety, refer to Bode Miller’s tips and visit Coverstar’s website.
