North Jersey's Greg Olsen Nominated For NFL Man Of Year Award

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — Greg Olsen, one of the best athletes to come out of North Jersey, has been nominated for the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

Olsen was nominated for the award last year and was named a finalist, but lost to the Giants' Eli Manning and the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald. One player from each team is nominated for the award. The award honors NFL players who give back to their communities.

Olsen, a Wayne Hills High School alumnus, said on Twitter that he was "honored once against" to be nominated.

"It is a pleasure to serve our wonderful community and we are very thankful for the tremendous support you have showed our family and foundation," Olsen said. "We look forward to bigger things to come."

Olsen founded two nonprofits after watching two members of his family battle, and defeat, potentially fatal health conditions.

Olsen founded the Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation in 2009 after his mother Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer. Its Receiving Hope program helps fund cancer research and education programs. The program has distributed more than $524,000 nationwide.

Olsen's son T.J. was diagnosed in utero with a congenital heart defect. He underwent surgery right after he was born and has since recovered.

Olsen and his wife Kara founded the HEARTest Yard Fund, a family service program that provides Charlotte-area families of babies similar to T.J. with private nursing care, physical therapy and speech therapy.

Olsen is an active participant in the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has helped Beds for Kids, a nonprofit that provides beds and other essential furniture to children and families in need.

On the field, Olsen is one of the NFL's best tight ends. A four-time team captain and three-time Pro Bowler, he is the first tight end in NFL history with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He ranks in the top 10 all-time in receptions and receiving yards among tight ends.

Related: North Jersey's Greg Olsen Named NFL Man Of The Year Finalist
Related: Wayne's Greg Olsen Misses Out On NFL Man of The Year Award

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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)