ss THE MOMENT THAT MADE THE ENTIRE PACKERS ORGANIZATION PAUSE BEFORE THE SEASON FINALE! After spending most of the season on the sidelines, a Packers rookie was finally given a rare opportunity to take on a more meaningful role in the NFL and prove himself on the field. But just days before the season finale, he missed practice — not due to injury or discipline, but because he donated blood to help save his mother’s heart valve surgery
Green Bay, WI – The Green Bay Packers were without one of their young rookies at practice today, but the reason was deeply personal and had nothing to do with football.
With the season finale approaching, rookie defensive lineman Collin Oliver has been given a rare opportunity to make his NFL debut and prove himself on the field after spending the entire season on the sidelines, yet he chose to step away to donate blood for his mother’s heart valve replacement surgery earlier this week.
That rookie is Collin Oliver, a fifth-round pick (No. 159 overall) out of Oklahoma State, who has yet to see any regular-season action due to a hamstring injury that required surgery in March, leading to his placement on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list in August.
Despite not playing in games this season, Oliver impressed in college with standout production, including 40.5 tackles for loss and 23.5 sacks over his career at Oklahoma State, earning him three All-Big 12 selections and Freshman All-American honors in 2021.
This final game represents a pivotal moment in his young career—a chance to showcase his explosive edge-rushing abilities, build momentum heading into next season, and potentially secure a more prominent role on the Packers’ defensive line.
According to sources, Oliver has been practicing with the scout team and participating in limited drills as he works back from injury, preparing for this potential debut. His athleticism and disruptive playstyle from college have caught the coaching staff’s eye, even if his stats remain blank for the 2025 regular season.
His absence today was not performance-related, but a reflection of his priorities. Sources close to the family confirmed Oliver’s blood donation directly aided his mother’s surgery, with his act described as both timely and selfless.
In a statement, Oliver shared his thoughts: “I truly appreciate the opportunity given for this season finale—it’s the moment I’ve dreamed of since stepping into the NFL, to prove myself and contribute to the team.
But nothing is more important than my mother’s health. Missing practice today is nothing, because her heart is the ‘game’ I must win the most. She gave me life, and now it’s time for me to repay that love. The Packers are my second family, but my mother is the one who gave me the heart to fight from the very beginning.”
Head coach Matt LaFleur spoke on behalf of the team: “Football comes second in moments like this. What Collin did for his mother is bigger than any game, including the season finale. We’ll be here for him when he’s back on the field.”
For Packers fans, Oliver has already become more than just a rookie defensive lineman waiting in the wings. He’s shown the toughness and loyalty Green Bay embraces, proving that his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet—especially as the team heads into this crucial finale.
