Greg Olsen, ex-Carolina Panther tight end, announced on Thursday that a match for a heart transplant for his son TJ had been found. This happened after eight days of being on the transplant list.
On Friday, at 6:30 pm Eastern time, Olsen shared on social media that his son had made it through surgery successfully and was moved to the Intensive Care Unit. He stated that the doctors were “very happy with the surgery.” Olsen also expressed his gratitude to the donors’ family.
When TJ was born, the doctors discovered he had a heart defect. As a result, he had to undergo four surgeries, which included three of the open-heart variety and the placement of a pacemaker.
Olsen shared that his son has a long way to go in his recovery, but he is thankful for the prayers and support that have come their way.
Olsen played in the NFL for fourteen years, retiring in 2020. Nine of those seasons were spent with the Carolina Panthers. He made it to the Pro Bowl three times in his career. While a member of the Panthers, Olsen collected 524 catches and 39 touchdowns.
Olsen is also a philanthropist. He and his wife Kara started the HEARTest Yard initiative, after TJ and his twin sister were born to aid less fortunate families in situations like theirs. Olsen has given millions of dollars to the charity over the years. He also contributed to the building of a special facility in Charlotte at the Levine Children’s Hospital called the HEARTest Yard Congenital Heart Center.
