From a school known as tight end U, Greg Olsen is arguably the best ever produced at the position by the Miami Hurricanes. Olsen announced his retirement on Sunday and that he will join Fox Sports as a game analyst. Olsen began his career as the 31st overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
Olsen was one of the best TEs in Miami Hurricanes history before he played in the NFL. In three seasons in college, Olsen ranks fifth in Miami history among TEs with 87 receptions, 1,215 yards and ninth with six TD receptions. Olsen finishes his NFL career with 742 receptions for 8,683 receiving yards and 60 receiving TDs.
Olsen is one of two former Miami Hurricanes TEs in the top 10 on the all-time list at the position. Olsen retires holding the record for receptions and receiving yards by a former Hurricanes TE in NFL history. Jimmy Graham will have a chance to surpass Olsen and hold the records for receptions, yards and receiving TDs.
Olsen played 14 seasons in the NFL. Graham just finished his 11th season in the NFL. Olsen retires ranking fifth all-time in NFL history among TEs in receptions and receiving yards, fifth in targets and eight in TD receptions. Two of the TEs ahead of Olsen are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the other two will be.
— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) January 24, 2021
Former Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez who played in the NFL from 1997-2013 holds the records with 15,127 receiving yards, 1,325 receptions and 1,862 targets. Former San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates broke Gonzalez’s record for a TE with 116 receiving TDs.
Gates becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023. Shannon Sharpe has already been inducted into the Pro Football HoF. Jason Witten who played for the Las Vegas Raiders this season is a lock for the HoF five years following his retirement. Olsen is likely a borderline Hall of Famer on the outside looking in.
Olsen was named to the Pro Bowl from 2014-16 and a second-team All-Pro in 2015 and 2016, All-Rookie in 2007 and to All-NFL 2010s second-team by Pro Football Focus. Olsen finished his career playing his first four seasons with the Chicago Bears followed by nine with the Carolina Panthers and in 2020 with the Seattle Seahawks.