Greg Olsen Announces Retirement; Will Join “Fox NFL Sunday” Team

Olsen spent 14 years in the NFL

Seattle Seahawks v Miami Dolphins
Greg Olsen warms up prior to the Seahawks/Dolphins game on October 04, 2020.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Some professional athletes are taken by surprise when their playing days come to an end. Others take the steps to prepare for it, sometimes spending the end of their careers laying the groundwork for their next steps in life. In retrospect, this summer’s news that Greg Olsen was hosting a new podcast was probably a big clue as to his own intentions — and today, Olsen confirmed a big shift in his career.

Deadline reports that Olsen announced his retirement earlier today in an interview on Fox NFL Sunday. As for his next step in life, the location of that interview serves as a giveaway: he’ll be part of the broadcasting team there now that his playing days are over. Olsen posted his farewell to the game on Twitter, along with a video summarizing his career highlights.

Among tight ends, Olsen ranks high in terms of receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl 3 times in his career.

Olsen’s career included stints playing for Chicago, Carolina and Seattle. In his statement on Twitter, he spoke of one of his regrets being specific to this pandemic-affected season. “My ultimate regret was not being able to enjoy the end with my family,” he wrote. “Watching the time tick down, in an empty stadium, knowing it would be my last game.” It’s a bittersweet image to close out a powerhouse career.

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