CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Greg Olsen will be joining Thomas Davis in signing a one-day contract with the Carolina Panthers on March 11 before officially retiring from the franchise.
Olsen’s announcement comes less than 24 hours after Davis’ retirement news – setting the stage for a duel retirement celebration from the Panthers.
“The Panthers were hoping to find a reliable receiving target for their rookie quarterback when they traded a third-round pick to the Bears in 2011,” the Panthers said in a release. “All Greg Olsen did with the Panthers was achieve something no one else at his position ever had, and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance.”
Olsen quoted a tweet from the Carolina Panthers Thursday morning about Davis’ retirement saying,”Sounds fun, see you there” just before the team made the official announcement about the ‘duel retirement ceremony.’
Olsen, who has not been released officially from the Seahawks, is reportedly ready to start his television career.
The 35-year-old former Panther has led Carolina to many wins and has made a mark on and off the field.
While with the Carolina Panthers, Olsen not only had three straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards — something no other tight end had done — he became an advocate and a part of his new community, according to a release.
All three of his Pro Bowls came with the Panthers (2014-16), as he combined for 3,185 receiving yards during that span, leading the way as the 2015 Panthers went 15-1.
Off the field Olsen is just as impressive as he turned the unfortunate diagnosis of his son’s congenital heart condition into a chance to share his good fortune. He used his foundation to establish the HEARTest Yard Fund along with Atrium Health, to help other families of infants with similar diagnoses.
“One of the steadiest and most reliable players in franchise history, Olsen finished his 14-year career with 742 receptions for 8,683 yards and 60 touchdowns,” according to the Panthers.
