Emotional Purdue QB Aidan O'Connell 'ready to go' vs. Michigan in B1G title game

Take your time, Aidan. That was the message delivered to Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell as he grieved the death of his older brother and spent time back home in Illinois earlier this week.

“When someone’s going through that, football is secondary,” said Purdue coach Jeff Brohm. “We didn’t want to overwhelm him with anything that we have to get done to help us win. It’s more about him taking the proper time to be with his family and to make sure he gets those things taken care of.”

O’Connell returned to campus on Wednesday. But, if he didn’t want to play in the Big Ten title game on Saturday vs. Michigan, it would have been understandable. He’s still trying to process the unexpected passing last week of sibling Sean.

“Aidan was able to get back on Wednesday and has been with us ever since,” said Brohm on Friday. “So, I think he understands what we’re trying to do. And he puts in the time and I think while it’s rough, it’s therapeutic for him to be around his buddies and his teammates that care about him and we all do. So I think he’ll be ready to go.”

Purdue will need a full-throttle O’Connell if it wants to slay Michigan (12-0 overall; 9-0 Big Ten) in the title game at 8 p.m. ET in Indianapolis tonight.

Unbeknownst to everyone, O’Connell played through the emotional pain at Indiana of his brother’s passing last week, when he led the Boilermakers to a 30-16 victory. It was one of the biggest triumphs in school annals that clinched Purdue’s first Big Ten West title. O’Connell connected on 18-of-29 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns.

“He’s a special person,” said Boilermaker tight end Payne Durham. “I feel like anyone who knows him knows you don’t get guys like that all the time. He doesn’t identify as a football player. He’s a man of faith who wants to do things for other people.”

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The win in Bloomington set up an even bigger game this week for Purdue, arguably the biggest in school history.

“He had to manage all the emotions and the things he was going through, which I can’t imagine how hard it would be,” said Brohm this week.

“Without question. I give Aidan a lot of credit. He did what he thought was best. He played his heart out for his teammates and gave us a great effort.”

O’Connell was sobbing on the sideline after the victory at Indiana, comforted by team chaplain Marty Dittmar. O’Connell didn’t speak to the media after the game, but Brohm hinted that O’Connell was dealing with a personal issue.

“He’s got a lot going on right now,” said Brohm. “Can’t say anything. So, he’s emotional for a lot of reasons. He played really hard. Stepped up to the plate when his teammates needed.”

On Sunday, O’Connell shared the news of the unexpected death of older brother Sean. O’Connell returned to his home in the Chicago suburbs during this difficult time to mourn and be with loved ones.

“Well, things happened very suddenly, so, yes, there was concern about whether he would be available to play (at Indiana),” said Brohm. “Understandably.

“So, we just wanted to support him as he was going through that, be there for him, answer any questions he had. I think being around his teammates I think did slightly help.”

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Purdue wideout and childhood friend Charlie Jones was there for O’Connell.

“It’s a very tough time for him and his whole family,” Jones said. “I’ve told him that at the end of the day, it’s just a game and family is more important than anything. So for him to come out and play in a game and play the way he did (at Indiana) after all of that was just amazing. We want him to know we’re here for him.”

O’Connell came close to not playing vs. the Hoosiers. But, he suited up and gave one of the most inspirational efforts in Purdue history. And, O’Connell will be ready to go again this Saturday vs. the Wolverines, as Purdue seeks its first Big Ten title since 2000.

“Whenever he got back, then it was full speed ahead,” said Brohm. “But he’s played a lot of football. He understands what we’re doing. I think we’re in a good position right now.”

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