“Didn’t Owe a Lot to, He Didn’t Draft Me…”: Greg Olsen Joins Panthers, Falcons and Hundreds of NFL Fans in Mourning the Death of Former NFL Owner

On Wednesday night, former Carolina Panthers’ owner cum founder Jerry Richardson’s sudden death shocked the entire NFL world. After the news came out, many NFL teams, including the Panthers, Falcons, and others, showed their respect for Richardson. However, one particular post from the former Panthers tight end Greg Olsen caught the eyes of many people. He took to Twitter and posted a really heartfelt message for Richardson.

It is worth noting that Richardson brought the Panthers into the NFL in 1995. Since then, he has established the Panthers as a credible franchise. Olsen joined the team in 2011 and played for them till 2019. In his tribute video, he shared some heartwarming information, which could change someone’s perspective about him.

Greg Olsen pays massive tribute to the former Panthers’ owner Jerry Richardson

Olsen said, “When I think of Mr. Richardson, the first thing off the top of my head was it was the worst time in our lives… I got a call from Mr. Richardson. I’d been here about six months… My son TJ was going to be born with a pretty serious condition.“

Notably, Olsen’s son TJ was born with a pretty rare heart condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. After Richardson learned about this, he contacted Olsen and his wife immediately and provided them with the best medical care possible. Richardson’s gesture moved Olsen because he was just a newcomer in the Panthers team.

“The love that he had for a player, who he did not owe a lot to, he didn’t draft me, I wasn’t on his team for a decade. I’d been here one season and we won six games… But I was a player on his team who needed help and he was able to provide it,” Olsen further said. 

Greg Olsen also revealed that he named his son after his boss. “I don’t know how many people publicly know this, but TJ, his first name is Trent, and his middle name is Jerry…”

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After this amazing gesture, Richardson and Olsen’s family became really close. As the former Panthers’ owner passed away at the age of 86, Olsen showed his love for Mrs. Richardson as well.

Other NFL teams and coaches paid tribute to Richardson

Apart from Olsen, many other NFL teams, including the Falcons, also posted a heartfelt message, as their owner Arthur Blank paid tribute to the legendary man.

Then, the Panthers also tweeted.

Meanwhile, the head coach of the Commanders, Ron Rivera, wrote some meaningful words for Richardson.

NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, also released a statement regarding this.

Apart from them, many fans also sent condolences to Richardson’s family.

Another fan shared a heartfelt story of the late Richardson.

It is worth noting that the Panthers have reached the Super Bowl only twice (2003, 2015). They have failed to win a Super Bowl so far. Moreover, they are currently facing trouble from the NFL regarding breaking of rules and regulations. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers play in 2023 after a poor 2022.

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