Greg Olsen is a former American football tight end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. He was born on March 11, 1985, in Wayne, New Jersey, and attended the University of Miami, where he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.
Olsen was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft, and he played for the team for four seasons. During his time with the Bears, he established himself as one of the league's top tight ends, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2009.
In 2011, Olsen was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he spent the majority of his career. He quickly became a key player for the Panthers, and he was named to three Pro Bowls during his time with the team. Olsen was also a key contributor to the Panthers' run to Super Bowl 50 in 2016, where they ultimately lost to the Denver Broncos.
Throughout his career, Olsen was known for his reliable hands, precise route-running, and ability to make tough catches in traffic. He was also a respected leader in the locker room, and he was known for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
In addition to his success on the field, Olsen was also known for his philanthropic work off the field. He and his wife, Kara, founded the HEARTest Yard Fund in 2013, which provides support for families of children with congenital heart defects.
After the 2019 season, Olsen was released by the Panthers and signed with the Seattle Seahawks for the 2020 season. However, he was limited by injuries during his time with the Seahawks, and he announced his retirement from the NFL on January 24, 2021.
Overall, Greg Olsen had a successful career in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the league's top tight ends. He was also known for his leadership and philanthropic work off the field, and he will be remembered as one of the game's greats.
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