History of Aidan O'Connell in Timeline
Aidan James O'Connell is an American football quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders. He played college football at Purdue University and was drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While at Purdue, O'Connell served primarily as a backup quarterback before becoming the starter his final two seasons. He finished his college career with 9,219 passing yards and 65 touchdowns. He made his first career start against Illinois in 2021, passing for 273 yards. During his senior season, he helped lead Purdue to a Citrus Bowl appearance where he threw for a school-record 424 yards and three touchdowns. O'Connell signed his rookie contract with the Raiders in May 2023.
September 1, 1998: Birth of Aidan O'Connell
Aidan James O'Connell was born on September 1, 1998.
2016: High School Football Record
In 2016, O'Connell set a school record for passing yards (2,741) and touchdowns (26) at Stevenson High School.
February 3, 2017: College Commitment
On February 3, 2017, O'Connell committed to play college football at Wheaton College, later switching to Purdue.
2017: Redshirt Season
O'Connell redshirted during the 2017 season at Purdue.
2018: Redshirt Season
O'Connell redshirted during the 2018 season at Purdue.
2019: First College Starts
In 2019, O'Connell played in six games and started three for Purdue, throwing for over 1,000 yards.
2020: Season-Ending Injury
O'Connell suffered a season-ending injury after three games in 2020.
2021: Breakout Season
In 2021, O'Connell became the starting quarterback for Purdue, throwing for 3,712 yards and 28 touchdowns.
2022: Final College Season and NFL Draft Decision
O'Connell played his final season at Purdue in 2022 and then decided to enter the 2023 NFL draft.
October 1, 2023: First NFL Start
On October 1, 2023, O'Connell made his first NFL start against the Los Angeles Chargers, scoring his first rushing touchdown.
November 1, 2023: Named Starting Quarterback
On November 1, 2023, O'Connell was named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
2023: NFL Draft Selection
In 2023, Aidan O'Connell was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
2023: Enters the NFL Draft
In 2023, O'Connell entered the NFL draft.
2023: Drafted by the Raiders
O'Connell was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.