Greg Olsen (American football)

Gregory Olsen  (born March 11, 1985 in Wayne, New Jersey) is an American football tight end for the Carolina Panthers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Miami.

Early years
Olsen grew up in Wayne, New Jersey and attended Wayne Hills High School, where he played football under his father Chris Olsen, Sr. As a high school senior he was one of three finalists for the Gatorade Player of the Year award along with former Miami Hurricane teammate Kyle Wright. He was a USA Today First-Team All-American as a senior in 2002. He finished his career with 73 receptions for 1,474 yards, and a school-record 27 touchdowns. He played in the 2003 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He also played basketball on the varsity level for three years.

College career
Olsen originally enrolled at the University of Notre Dame but transferred as a freshman to the University of Miami in 2003. In 2003, Olsen was on the Hurricanes' scout team before suffering a shoulder injury and was redshirted. He became the starter of the Miami Hurricanes in his sophomore season in 2005 after Kevin Everett was drafted in the third round by the Buffalo Bills. In his career he totaled 87 receptions for 1215 yards and six touchdowns.

7th Floor Crew involvement
Olsen was one of the players that participated in the University of Miami's rap group, the 7th Floor Crew, under the pseudonym G-Reg. Many media sources ridiculed Olsen for his involvement in the group, which earned national notoriety for their sexually explicit and vulgar lyrics. Olsen addressed the media about the issue almost a week after the draft. He apologized for his actions and stated he had moved on.

Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears selected Olsen as the 31st overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He signed a five-year contract with the team on July 3, which made him the first of the draft's top sixty-four picks to come to terms with their team. Olsen sustained a knee injury during the Bears' final preseason game in 2007, and consequently, he missed the team's first two games while recovering. He made his NFL debut on September 23, 2007 against the Dallas Cowboys, catching two passes for twenty-eight yards. Olsen caught his first touchdown two weeks later during a Week 5 match-up against the Green Bay Packers. Olsen finished the season with 39 receptions for 391 yards and two touchdowns.

Olsen saw his playing time increase during his second season. He started 7 of 16 games, making 54 receptions for 574 yards and five touchdowns. He led the team in receiving touchdowns, while finishing second in receptions and receiving yards. Olsen was selected as a second alternate for the 2009 Pro Bowl. Chicago's Comcast SportsNet named Olsen the Bears Player of the Year.

In 2009, Olsen quickly developed a rapport with Jay Cutler, whom the Bears had acquired from the Denver Broncos. Olsen and Cutler connected for 60 receptions, for 612 yards, and eight touchdowns. He led the Bears in receptions and touchdowns, while finishing behind Devin Hester for most receiving yards. Before the 2010 season the Bears fired Ron Turner and hired Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. His numbers dropped compared to his 2008 and 2009 seasons, as he recorded 41 receptions for 404 yards, and 5 touchdowns. However, Olsen helped the Bears win their first 2011 playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, catching three passes for 113 yards and one touchdown.

Carolina Panthers
On July 28, 2011, Olsen was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a 2012 third round draft pick.

Personal life
Olsen's older brother, Chris Jr., played quarterback for the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. His brother also tried out for a spot on the Bears' roster, during their rookie mini-camp in May 2007, but was not offered a contract. Greg and his wife welcomed a baby boy in early June 2011.

Olsen founded Receptions For Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation in 2009, which helps fund cancer research. Greg’s Mom is a 10 year cancer survivor and the inspiration for his foundation. One of his fundraising events includes Kicks for a Cure Kickball Tournament, the world’s largest charity kickball tournament. The large scale event is held annually each summer in Chicago’s Grant Park and hosts over 1,000 people. Kickball teams compete and have fun in an effort to raise money for cancer research.