Join us in celebrating the Olsen family’s incredible journey – from Greg’s football triumphs to the inspiring story of TJ’s heart health. Their story is a testament to the power of love, determination and the strength that comes from facing life’s challenges together.
Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation
Meet The Olsens
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About Greg, Kara, and the Family
At the heart of the Olsen family are Greg and Kara — a dynamic duo whose love and unity have shaped their journey together. Bound by shared values and deep devotion, they stand as pillars of strength for their three incredible children: Tate, TJ, and Talbot.
Greg and Kara first met while attending the University of Miami and married in 2009. Greg hails from Wayne, New Jersey, while Kara grew up in Orlando, Florida. Today, the Olsen family calls Charlotte, North Carolina, home, where they share life’s adventures with their loyal German Shepherd, Taffy.
Sports are a big part of life in the Olsen household, and each kid is carving out their own path. Tate plays quarterback for his high school football team, while TJ competes on his middle school football team. Both boys also play baseball. Talbot stands out on her middle school track team and brings that same competitive spirit to the basketball court.
Whether they’re cheering from the sidelines, celebrating milestones, or simply spending time together at home, the Olsens are a close-knit family whose story is defined by resilience, unwavering support, and the unbreakable bonds that tie them together.
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Greg’s Football History
A celebrated athlete in the world of professional football, Greg Olsen’s legacy is etched in his impressive career. Greg Olsen played college football at the University of Miami. He was drafted to play professionally in the National Football League (NFL) in the first round by the Chicago Bears in the 2007 NFL draft. Greg went on to play for the Carolina Panthers for nine seasons from 2011 to 2020. He played one season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021 before officially retiring as a Carolina Panther on March 11, 2021. Greg became the first tight end in NFL history to record three consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards. Since retirement, Greg is now a full-time broadcaster with Fox Sports as the network’s number two football color commentator. With years of dedication, hard work, and unmatched skill, Greg has left an indelible mark on the sport. His journey from the field to broadcast television to family life showcases his versatile and multifaceted nature. 0
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About Tate, TJ and Talbot
Tate, the oldest brother, exemplifies leadership and camaraderie within the Olsen family. Twins TJ and Talbot, a unique pair with their individual personalities, have brought a special light to the family. Their bond transcends the ordinary, creating a harmonious blend that defines the Olsen household.
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TJ’s Heart Story
TJ’s remarkable journey embodies the spirit of resilience and hope. Born in 2012 with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a challenging congenital heart defect which means the left half of the heart did not develop correctly, TJ’s early days were marked by medical challenges. Facing the odds with unwavering strength, he underwent multiple open-heart surgeries before a life-changing heart transplant in the summer of 2021. Today, TJ thrives as a remarkable student and dedicated baseball player, embodying the Olsen family’s spirit in overcoming adversity.
The HEARTest Yard
During the emotional roller coaster and logistical challenges of T.J.’s surgeries, hospital stays, and ongoing medical needs, we were incredibly fortunate to have compassionate in-home nurses by our side. In those first few weeks after T.J. came home from the hospital, they closely monitored his growth, development, and overall health while giving our family invaluable support and peace of mind.
That experience made our calling clear: we wanted to help other families walking a similar path.
In 2013, we established The HEARTest Yard program to provide families bringing their little heart babies home from the hospital with 100 hours of in-home nursing care and support.
Our commitment continued to grow, and in December 2020, we opened The HEARTest Yard Congenital Heart Center at Levine Children’s Hospital. The center provides comprehensive, specialized care for patients with congenital heart conditions—from birth through adulthood—helping ensure that families have the support and medical care they need at every stage of the journey.
The HEARTest Yard is a proud partner of SHARE Charlotte, connecting our mission with the local community.