Carolina Panthers Say Goodbye To Beloved Star
The Carolina Panthers said goodbye to a beloved star this week.
Tight end Greg Olsen will not be returning to the franchise next year.
The decision came after a conversation between Olsen and the organization.
A three-time Pro Bowler with 13 years of experience in the league, Olsen is not prepared to call it quits yet.
-8️⃣8️⃣ pic.twitter.com/GJlsw0p3gb
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) January 30, 2020
“At this time I have not closed the door on any potential career options,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I still have the love of football in my heart and will explore all opportunities presented to me.”
Selected with the 31st overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2007, Olsen recorded 597 yards and two scores on 52 receptions this past year for Carolina.
For his career, Olsen has amassed 8,444 yards and 78 scores on 718 receptions.
“The team and I are both on the same page that it is best we go in different directions for now,” Olsen added.
“On the field, I will always cherish the nine seasons we shared together. The wins, the losses, standing at midfield holding the Halas Trophy as NFC champs. The reality of going to the Super Bowl was beyond words, as was the disappointment of falling short.”
Olsen is the Panthers franchise record holder for most receiving yards in a season and receptions in a season by a tight end.
“The best part of playing in the NFL are the relationships,” Olsen wrote.
“I have been surrounded by the best teammates I could have asked for. Lifelong friends that are truly my brothers. Through the wins and losses, we have formed a bond that will last the rest of our lives.
“Thank you to the fans. Panther Nation was always great to me. I heard all the cheers. I saw all the 88 jerseys. Just know I appreciate you all and you made it fun to be a Panther.”
There have been a lot of changes in Carolina over the past few months.
It all started with the firing of former head coach Ron Rivera, who ultimately was immediately hired by the Washington Redskins.
From there the organization went out and brought on highly sought-after Baylor coach Matt Rhule to replace him.
Rhule, in turn, hired LSU offensive guru Joe Brady to serve as Carolina’s offensive coordinator.
The big question now is what will happen to quarterback Cam Newton. With Rivera and Olsen being shown the door, it feels like the former MVP’s number is going to be called soon as well.
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
