Buffalo is rallying around Oliver after tragedy strikes his family


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Prior to the Bills' preseason win over the Browns, general manager Brandon Beane issued a statement regarding veteran defensive tackle Ed Oliver's tragic family situation.

According to ESPN, Oliver's son -- who was two years old -- died after he was found unresponsive in a swimming pool by family members at a residence outside Houston on June 28. Oliver, who, along with his family, has been mourning the tragic loss, has asked for "privacy and prayers at this very difficult time."

"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," Beane said. "It's an unthinkable tragedy for any parent. We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this tragic loss."

Bills coach Joe Brady and quarterback Josh Allen spoke about Oliver following Buffalo's 31-7 preseason win over the Browns.

"As a coach, as a father, it's my job to be what he needs from me right now," Brady said. "And that's loving him and giving him the privacy that he deserves, and whatever it looks like, no matter how someone might want to handle it, it's however he wants us to handle it."

"There's nothing that you can say to make the situation any better except being there for Ed in whatever way he needs," Allen said. "As a team, we're going to continue to love up on him. We want to rally around him to let him know that we have his back and we're here for him however he needs us. But the way that he's dealt with it has been unbelievable. "

Oliver, 28, did not play in Saturday's game due to a minor injury. He is entering his eighth season with the Bills, who selected him with the ninth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

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