Devastating news has rocked the sports world as former NFL tight end Greg Olsen, now 40, shared a heartbreaking update on Thursday about his brother Chris Olsen’s battle with glioblastoma. The beloved athlete, who spent 14 seasons in the NFL before transitioning to a lead NFL analyst for Fox Sports, took to social media to express his grief. In a poignant post, Olsen announced, “It is with great sadness that I share this update. Despite fighting with every ounce of his being, my older brother Chris has lost his battle with Glioblastoma. This terrible disease took many things, but it could never take Chris’s spirit for life.”
The Olsen family, deeply impacted by heart disease and cancer, has faced significant loss in recent years. Greg’s older brother Kevin Olsen passed away in 2018 at the age of 29 due to complications related to a heart condition. Chris Olsen, born with congenital heart disease and a recipient of a heart transplant as a child, battled glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and rapidly growing brain tumor, ultimately succumbing to the disease at the age of 42.
Despite the heart-wrenching loss, an outpouring of support and condolences have flooded in for Greg Olsen and his family from friends, fans, and fellow sports stars. San Francisco 49ers running back and 2026 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award winner Christian McCaffrey offered his prayers, while Erin Andrews, Fox Sports NFL commentator, expressed her love and support for the Olsen family. Andrew Whitworth, former Los Angeles Rams left tackle and member of Amazon’s Thursday Night Football crew, extended his condolences, and San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle shared his love for Greg.
Chris Olsen’s infectious spirit and enduring joy have left an indelible mark on those who knew him. A friend of the family reflected, “Prayers for the Olsens—love you all so much. Chris was always smiling, pure joy. He certainly will be remembered that way.”
As the Olsen family navigates this latest loss, their commitment to raising awareness about heart health remains steadfast. Inspired by their own experiences, Greg and his loved ones launched the HEARTest Yard Foundation, supporting families of children with congenital heart disease and promoting heart health education.
In the face of tragedy, the Olsen family’s resilience shines through, proving that love and support can carry us through even the darkest times.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.