League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Bills and Browns preseason game overshadowed by family tragedy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 9:48 PM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Football

Summary

The preseason game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns was overshadowed by the tragic news concerning Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver. His young son was found unresponsive in a swimming pool and later pronounced deceased. The incident prompted media criticism regarding how the story was reported ahead of the game. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson faced an unfavorable reaction from fans after a lackluster performance, which he attributed to personal issues beyond football. Watson acknowledged the frustration of fans after being booed following the game.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Ed Oliver's son was found unresponsive in a pool before the game.
•Media received backlash for revealing details of the tragedy prematurely.
•Deshaun Watson faced boos after an ineffective performance.
•Watson explained his struggles relate to personal challenges.
•Oliver's family is receiving condolences from the organization.

Latest Updates

9:48 PMYahoo Sports — Fracassi: Breaking news on a family's heartache isn't the way to do it

What they're saying

"
The preseason game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns Saturday got attention for reasons other than the actual contest — a Bills blowout on Lake Erie — for an unspeakable tragedy and how the information got out, and the post-game reaction of the quarterback to an unfavorable crowd reaction. Condolences to Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver and his family after it was learned his ...
— Yahoo Sports

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