08/22/26 07:00:00
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08/22 18:58 CDT Bills offer condolences, support to defensive tackle Ed Oliver
following death of his 2-year-old son
Bills offer condolences, support to defensive tackle Ed Oliver following death
of his 2-year-old son
By TOM WITHERS and JOHN WAWROW
Associated Press
CLEVELAND (AP) --- The Buffalo Bills are giving defensive tackle Ed Oliver
support and space following the accidental death of his 2-year-old son.
Oliver has been grieving throughout training camp and many of his teammates
only learned of the tragic accident on Friday. Following Saturday's 31-7
preseason win over the Browns, Bills quarterback Josh Allen said the team is
standing with Oliver.
"Obviously, very unfortunate what happened and as a teammate of him, as someone
in this locker room, all we can do is love on him," Allen said. "There's
nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there in
whatever ways he needs.
"That's what we're going to continue to do. That's what teammates do. You love
up on each other when we're down, and I can't imagine what he's going through.
But the way that he's dealt with it has been unbelievable."
Oliver has asked for privacy and prayers while still mourning his son, who was
also named Ed. The toddler was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive
in a residential pool in Harris County, Texas, on June 28, a person briefed on
what happened told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on the
condition of anonymity because the team and player have not revealed that
information.
Without providing many details including names or ages, the Harris County
Sheriff's department posted a note on its Facebook account that evening
regarding the drowning of a toddler in a neighborhood community north of
Houston.
"This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the toddler's family
during this incredibly difficult time. The investigation is ongoing," the post
read.
A sheriff's official told The Associated Press on Saturday that a report was
not immediately available.
Before Saturday's game, Bills general manager Brandon Beane issued a statement
expressing his and the organization's condolences.
"It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and
his family as we grieve this tragic loss," Beane said.
Bills first-year coach Joe Brady was equally compassionate toward Oliver, who
is in his eighth season with Buffalo.
"Ever since I found out the news, I can't fathom what he's going through,"
Brady said. "As a coach and a father, there really aren't words to describe it.
It's all about us loving him and giving him the privacy that he deserves.
"It's hard when I see him. I don't have the words, but all I can do is support
him in whatever way he needs."
The 28-year-old Oliver was selected by the Bills in the first round of the 2019
draft out of Houston.
Oliver reported for training camp on time last month and appeared with the
starters in the Bills' preseason-opening 29-14 win over Carolina last weekend.
He has not practiced this week because of an undisclosed injury.
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Wawrow reported from Buffalo, New York.
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See AP's full NFL coverage here
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