Greg Olsen Says His 8-Year-Old Son TJ’s ‘Heart Is Reaching Its End’ After 3 Surgeries

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVMay 24, 2021

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Greg Olsen #88 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Former NFL tight end and FOX broadcaster Greg Olsen posted on Twitter Monday that his eight-year-old son TJ is battling heart failure and may need a heart transplant:

Greg Olsen @gregolsen88
Unfortunately, it seems his heart is reaching its end. We are currently working through the process to determine our next steps, which ultimately could lead to a heart transplant

Greg Olsen @gregolsen88
We don’t know how long we will be within these hospital walls. We do know that we are in full control of our attitudes and our outlook. <br><br>TJ has been a fighter since birth. We are going to get through this as a family and be better off as a result of this experience.

Jonathan M. Alexander of the Charlotte Observer reported that TJ Olsen was born with a congenital heart defect.

Alexander reported that the Olsens "established a charitable foundation, the HEARTest Yard to help children born with congenital heart issues similar to TJ's" in 2013.

Per Alexander, HEARTest Yard "has donated money to the Levine Children’s Hospital so that pediatric heart patients can be provided home care and additional therapy once they are discharged from the hospital."

Olsen, 36, played for the Chicago Bears (2007-10), Carolina Panthers (2011-19) and Seattle Seahawks (2020) in his career, registering 742 catches for 8,6483 yards and 60 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowler.

He was hired by Fox in July 2020 to serve as a color commentator—reportedly to pair with Kevin Burkhardt, per David Newton of ESPN—once he retired from football. Olsen called it quits on his NFL career after the 2020 season.