EARLY CAREER
Greg Olsen is widely considered as one of the greatest tight ends of his generation. His football career launched into recognition at Wayne Hill High School in New Jersey, where he was a USA Today High School All-American as a senior. Upon graduation, Greg enrolled at football powerhouse University of Miami, following in the footsteps of other great Tight Ends. He was an All-ACC Selection, totaling 73 receptions, 1,474 yards and school record 27 touchdowns in three years.
NFL BEGINNINGS
Greg would go on be drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears after his junior season. He suffered a knee injury in that preseason, but would play in 14 games. With increased playing time, his production spiked in his second season, leading the team in touchdown receptions. Before the 2009 season, Denver Broncos Quarterback Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago and developed what seemed like instant chemistry with the up-and-coming tight end. During their first season together, the QB/TE combo connected on 60 receptions, 612 yards and eight touchdowns. Their connection on offense helped lead the the Bears to the 2010 playoffs. They would go on to beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional Round behind Olsen’s breakout 113 yards, two touchdown performance.
MOVE TO CAROLINA
In the 2011 offseason, Greg was traded to the Carolina Panthers to join Heisman Trophy winner, Cam Newton. He would go on to have his first 1,000 yard season in 2014, while also being named the Carolina Panthers’ Ed Block Courage Award recipient. He was honored after his son, TJ, required a heart transplant, yet still starting every game. The 2015 season was magical for the entire organization, especially Greg who set career high in yards and named as an All-Pro for the first time. The Panthers finished the regular season with the best record in team history at 15-1 and the top overall seed in the NFC playoffs. In the NFC Championship Game against the Arizona Cardinals, Greg tallied six receptions for 113 yards, leading the Panthers to a 49-15 rout and sending them to Super Bowl 50.
POST FOOTBALL CAREER
In the following seasons Greg would suffer from several different foot injuries sidelining him for 19 out of the next 48 games. After being cut in 2020, he would play one season for the Seattle Seahawks before retiring at 35. Greg would finish his career as a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time second-team All-Pro tight end. In his post-football career, Greg has shined as color commentator for Fox Sports’ top broadcast team and is set to call Super Bowl LVII with his partner Kevin Burkhardt.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Greg and his wife Kara launched a foundation in 2009 named “Receptions for research (R4R): The Greg Olsen Foundation.” The non-profit provides resources to enhance the lives of those affected by cancer and cardiovascular diseases or disorders in the Carolinas. This cause has been close to them for years, as Greg’s mother has been cancer-free for over a decade and his son’s diagnosis of the rare congenital heart condition, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The Olsen family continues to epitomize the definition of courage and have been an inspiration in the community.