Sports
Wayne's Olsen Is Again A Finalist For NFL Man Of The Year Award
Breaking: Greg Olsen founded two nonprofits after his mother was diagnosed with cancer and his unborn son was born with a heart defect.
WAYNE, NJ — Wayne Hills alumnus Greg Olsen has again been named a finalist for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
Olsen is a Pro-Bowl tight end for the Carolina Panthers. He founded Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation in 2009 after his mother Sue survived breast cancer. The foundation's Receiving Hope program focuses on cancer research, support and education. He also hosts an annual charity kickball game in Chicago in support of the foundation. Olsen used to play for the Chicago Bears.
In early 2013, Olsen and his wife Kara founded the HEARTest Yard Fund after a routine examination of their unborn son, T.J., showed he had a congenital defect.
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Since its inception, the fund has distributed nearly $1.25 million to support families of babies affected by congenital heart disease.
Olsen is a four-time team captain, three-time Pro Bowler and played in Super Bowl 50. He is the first tight end in NFL history to have three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
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Photo: Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen warms up prior to an NFL football game against the New York Jets Nov. 26 in East Rutherford (Associated Press/Bill Kostroun)
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