Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen: biography

Greg Olsen is an NFL football player who has been performing the tight end job since 2007. Football fans know him for his work for the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.

Childhood and youth

The future athlete was born in spring 1985 in New Jersey. The atmosphere in the family was friendly and full of sport: the father worked as a coach, and the elder brother Chris played football.

Little Gregory went to Wayne Hills High School and got experience in many sports apart from football: soccer, basketball, and track and field. He was among top adolescent players, and many colleges would love to see him as their student.

College football career

The young man started his higher education at the University of Notre Dame but soon transferred to the University of Miami. Because of an injury, he had the chance to play in the field only in his second year. Olsen finished his college career with good stats, though: six touchdowns and 87 receptions.

Professional football career

In 2007, the Chicago Bears selected the athlete and offered him a contract for five years. Following a minor leg injury, Greg successfully debuted against the Dallas Cowboys with two passes.

Gradually, the sportsman’s positions in the team were strengthening; he was especially good at receiving and helped the Cowboys win many points and matches.

In 2011, the Carolina Panthers became Olsen’s new home. His results kept improving from 45 receptions and 540 yards in the first season to 73 receptions and 816 yards in 2013. The club celebrated another NFC South division title, and a reputable website Pro Football Focus named the man the best TE in pass blocking and receiving in 2014.

In 2014-2016, Olsen participated in three Pro Bowls; he became the first tight end ever to have three seasons with 1000-yard receiving. 2017 was less favorable: Gregory had serious foot trauma and surgery; its consequences echoed in 2018.

The next season, the athlete finally came to himself and had his statistics improved. Besides, he tried himself as a broadcast analyst.

Personal life

Gregory is a loving husband and father. He met his future wife, Kara Dooley, as a university student and married her in 2009. The woman worked as a real estate agent until the children were born.

The parents welcomed their first son, Tate, in 2011; the twins Trent Jerry and Talbot were born the next year. Unfortunately, T.J. had a rare heart disease and underwent three surgeries; the daughter was perfectly healthy.

Charity is a significant part of the man’s life. He established the Greg Olsen Foundation in honor of his mother, who was fighting cancer for a long while.

Present days

In January 2020, the news about Olsen leaving the Panthers came up; the decision to part was mutual. It is too early to talk about the athlete’s retirement, though: he expressed his wish to continue his football career. The Buffalo Bills are particularly interested in the tight end; some fans expect the New England Patriots to offer him a contract.

Greg Olsen’s net worth is $10 million in 2020.

Awards and achievements

• 2007 - PFWA All-Rookie Team
• 2007 - Brian Piccolo Award
• 2014-2016 - Pro Bowl
• 2015, 2016 - Second-team All-Pro