Aug 23, 2026, 4:45 AM CUT
Bills LE Ed Oliver's son passes away at 2, NFL world mourns
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 13: Buffalo defensive tackle Ed Oliver 91 reacts during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Falcons on October 13th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 13 Bills at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251013127
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 13: Buffalo defensive tackle Ed Oliver 91 reacts during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Falcons on October 13th, 2025 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire NFL: OCT 13 Bills at Falcons EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251013127
The Buffalo Bills Left End defensive lineman Ed Oliver has spent the past two months quietly shouldering more than any game could prepare him for. Just a few hours ago the news broke out that he has been mourning the loss of his 2-year-old son.
According to sources, Oliver’s son who was also named Ed was found unresponsive in the pool at the family ranch near Houston in Harris County, Texas on June 28th.
On August 23rd, the Bills posted the tragic news via an Instagram post sharing a statement made by their General Manager Brandon Beane which reads.
"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."
"It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 05: Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver 91 during a game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills on January 5, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 05 Bills at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482250105068
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 05: Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver 91 during a game between the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills on January 5, 2025, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 05 Bills at Patriots EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon482250105068
Notably there has been a lot of chatter surrounding Ed’s absence from the Saturday’s pre season game against the Browns. He is also dealing with an unspecified injury that could have contributed to his absence.
At the moment, further details remain unknown. However, the family has asked for privacy and prayers as they navigate through this tough time.
NFL fans react to the loss of Ed Oliver’s 2-year-old son
Hours after the news broke out via the Bills' Instagram post, NFL fans quickly flooded the comment section of the post to send Ed Oliver and his family condolences.
One fan’s comment captured the raw emotion of the fans, while reflecting on how devastating such a loss for a parent must be. They commented,
"The worst nightmare of any parent man. RIP little one…condolences and prayers up to the Oliver family."
Another fan reminded about how football takes a backseat in moments like this as they wrote,
"Some things are bigger than sports. I hope Ed sees the support we give him and I wish him well during the grieving process"
While another fan offered nothing but prayers and condolences to the Oliver family during their difficult time. They commented,
"Praying for Ed and his family it's just so awful"
Echoing a similar sentiment, another fan kept it brief, offering the family condolences and prayers. They wrote,
"My prayers and condolences to the family"
One fan kept it short as they summarized the heartbreak felt throughout the NFL community. They commented,
"Oh man that’s so heartbreaking, rest in love."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ed Oliver and his family as they continue to grieve.
Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco