Greg Olsen NFL Career Overview
Greg Olsen played for the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League. He was selected by the Bears in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft after playing college football at the University of Miami. Olsen spent the majority of his career with the Panthers, where he became one of the most productive tight ends in the league. His career totals include over 800 receptions and more than 10,000 receiving yards, placing him among the top tight ends in NFL history. He also holds records for consecutive games with a reception and postseason receiving yards for tight ends. Learn more about his career stats on the NFL official site NFL Player Page.
Olsen's offensive production helped multiple teams reach the playoffs, and he earned Pro Bowl honors three times during his career. His blocking, route running, and red-zone reliability made him a consistent target for quarterbacks across three different offensive systems. He also played a key role in several high-profile playoff runs, including a Super Bowl appearance with the Panthers. His ability to maintain high production across different coaching staffs and quarterback combinations underscores his adaptability and durability in the league.
Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks Stints
Chicago Bears (2007–2010)
Olsen began his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, where he was drafted 14th overall in 2007. During his four seasons with the Bears, he developed into a reliable target for quarterback Rex Grossman and later Caleb Hanie. He recorded consistent receiving numbers and earned a reputation for catching passes in critical situations. His early career performance with the Bears established him as one of the top rookie tight ends in the league. Olsen's time with Chicago laid the foundation for his later success, and his development under coaches like Lovie Smith and Ron Turner is well documented in team archives Chicago Bears Player Page.
Seattle Seahawks (2020)
After a long tenure with the Panthers, Olsen signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. He joined a veteran-laden roster led by quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Pete Carroll. During his single season with Seattle, Olsen contributed as a reliable receiving option and locker room leader. He appeared in multiple games and provided depth at the tight end position during the Seahawks' push for a playoff berth. His experience with the Seahawks added another chapter to his cross-team career narrative and demonstrated his continued value at a high level of competition Seattle Seahawks Player Page.
Carolina Panthers Dominance and Legacy
Carolina Panthers (2011–2019)
Olsen spent the most productive years of his career with the Carolina Panthers, joining the team in 2011. He quickly became the focal point of the Panthers' offense under quarterback Cam Newton and head coach Ron Rivera. During his tenure, Olsen set franchise records for tight ends in receptions and receiving yards. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50 after the 2015 season. His partnership with Newton produced some of the most memorable offensive performances in team history Carolina Panthers Player Page.
Postseason Impact and Records
Olsen's postseason performance with the Panthers elevated his legacy as one of the most clutch tight ends in NFL history. He holds the record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in a single postseason and has multiple career postseason