After a good rookie season in which he showed signs of being able to lead this Raiders club, quarterback Aidan O’Connell will try to improve on that performance in his second season. Of course, he’ll have to beat veteran Gardner Minshew in a quarterback duel during training camp.
This season, O’Connell will wear a different jersey number than usual, since he has elected to change from 4 to 12. The motivation for doing so demonstrates the type of character the second-year quarterback has.
O’Connell went on The Rush Podcast with Raiders teammate Maxx Crosby and stated that he chose to change his number out of respect for former Raiders quarterback Derek , according to Michael Baca of NFL.com.
“When the offseason came, it felt to me this is Derek’s number,” O’Connell stated. “He’s worn it for so long, and he’s a franchise leader and all that. It seemed disrespectful, so I wanted to give it back to him.”
was the Raiders quarterback for nine seasons, setting new franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns along the way. His players adored and admired him, and he was the epitome of professionalism and franchise leadership.
It was quite obvious when O’Connell had
As O’Connell stated, as a rookie, particularly a mid-round draft pick, you simply do what you are told. But it had to be odd to be handed the number of the quarterback who has recently left the team and is also the franchise leader in all major categories.
But now, O’Connell’s sole focus is on being the best player he can be, with the expectation that this will lead to his starting at quarterback when the Raiders open the regular season.
Aidan O’Connell thinks Raiders coach Antonio Pierce has given him a ‘wonderful opportunity’.
Aidan O’Connell may have entered this offseason expecting to keep his starting role after doing so well as a rookie last season. But
