Is Greg Olsen Related To Merlin Olsen? What’s The Connection Between The NFL Legends?

Hailed as football legends, Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen have been under the spotlight for decades. Be it NFL or Pro Bowl Championships, both the Olsens are renowned to exert their superiority. With their immense skillset and affinity towards football, they are renowned for collecting several accolades under their names. While Greg holds 14 NFL seasons under his belt, Merlin boasts 15. Their positions in their teams might be different but there is no denying their significance in it.

Their presence in the football universe is undeniable; there is no questioning their aptitude. It goes without saying both the Olsens have amassed a stellar fan following. These fans have harboured this question for a while now. Is Greg Olsen related to Merlin Olsen? If you are one of those fans, possessing this question, here’s your answer!

Is Greg Olsen Related To Merlin Olsen?

Merlin Jay Oslin, the well-renowned American footballer, commentator and actor, has maintained a streak of being selected to compete in the Pro Bowl for 14 years out of his 15-year-long career. The member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame has embarked on a long journey as the best lineman of the year in college football to serving as the Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade. Indeed, there are only a handful of players who managed to compete against Merlin during his reign that ended in 2010 with his death due to cancer.

As Merlin stepped into the 2000s decade, he was already a well-established player but Greg Olsen was just starting out. After playing football and basketball in high school, Greg was elected as a finalist for the Gatorade Player of the Year award. His career took off then and so did the speculations.

Rumours regarding Greg Olsen being Merlin Olsen’s son started to flourish. Now, even after decades and Merlin’s death, fans keep questioning the relationship between Greg Olsen and Merlin which apparently is none. Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen share no blood relation except maybe, one or two.

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The Major Connection Between Greg Olsen And Merlin Olsen Is Football

While it is rather obvious that Greg’s father is Chris Olsen and not Merlin Olsen, there is no denying the connection between the two. The thread binding them happens to be their career choice and passion: football. Before Merlin’s death, he established a record of playing in 14 Pro Bowl seasons. Similarly, Greg, too, has a record of participating in an equal number of Pro Bowl seasons.

Though several footballers have 15 years of record to their names, these legends set the benchmark high. Merlin could have been one of those players but due to being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma had to miss Pro Bowl for the first time in his lifetime. Greg, however, is safe and sound but retired.

Greg Olsen Is Now A Broadcaster And Podcaster

In March 2021, Greg Olsen officially retired as a member of the Carolina Panthers team. Interestingly, he signed a contract with Fox Sports as a broadcaster in January, 3 months before his retirement. A year earlier, Greg had to endure yet another injury due to suffering from a plantar fascia tear in November. Greg did finish off the 2020 season with a stellar record, making his last game a memorable one.

Similar to Merlin and hundreds of ex-footballers, Greg, too is now a broadcaster and seems to be doing fine for himself. After completing his first year at Fox with commendable ease, Greg launched his own podcast in March 2022 along with Vince Vaughn and Ryan Kalil. Moreover, Greg has dipped his foot in the production universe, too. Overall, Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen might not be related by blood but they share many uncanny similarities.

Is Greg Olsen Related To Merlin Olsen: FAQs

1. Who Is Greg Olsen?

Greg Olsen is an American footballer, entrepreneur, podcaster and broadcaster. He is popular for his NFL performance and presence in consecutive Pro Bowl championships.

2. Who Was Merlin Olsen?

Merlin Olsen is a football legend who also tried his hand at broadcasting and acting before his death.

3. What Happened To Merlin Olsen?

The cause of Merlin’s death is stated to be cancer.

4. Is Greg Olsen Related To Merlin Olsen?

No, Greg Olsen is not related to Merlin Olsen.

5. When Did Greg Olsen Retire?

Greg retired in March 2021 and joined Fox Sports as a full-time broadcaster.

6. What Is Greg Olsen Doing Now?

Olsen is working as a broadcaster, podcaster and the owner of a production company.

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