Greg Olsen reveals ‘mixed feelings’ over Terrace Marshall Jr. wearing 88

Former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has mixed feeling over the Carolina Panthers giving No. 88 to rookie wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.

The Carolina Panthers welcomed back Greg Olsen this offseason, albeit for one emotional day where both the tight end and prolific linebacker Thomas Davis retired as members of the organization.

This was only right considering what both gave to the Panthers throughout their respective careers. Olsen is undisputedly the best player at the position Carolina has ever had, but the arrival of an exciting college recruit caused a bit of a stir that centered on the former Pro Bowler’s No. 88 he wore famously over a nine-year period.

Carolina may have struck gold with their decision to select Terrace Marshall Jr. at No. 59 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. The LSU product arrives at the next level with a significant amount of upside and is looking to emulate former Tigers teammate Justin Jefferson, who took the NFL by storm with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.

Watching a young, dynamic kid wear the number was probably tough to take for Olsen. Especially just one season after he was let go by the Panthers before eventually signing for the Seattle Seahawks.

In a special interview with Scott Fowler of The Charlotte Observer, Olsen revealed he had mixed feelings about someone else taking the number just a few short weeks after his retirement, which had everything to do with the pressure that could potentially come Marshall’s way with such a responsibility.

Greg Olsen holds no animosity towards the Carolina Panthers.

"“You know I’ll be honest, I had mixed feelings about it. Donnie (Toner) in the (Panthers’) equipment room texted me and kind of gave me a heads up. My whole thing was I didn’t want the kid to feel any pressure from me. That was his number (Marshall wore 88 in college). That’s what he wanted. I’ve heard he’s a great kid. I don’t have any animosity. I’m glad he’s going to wear it and hopefully, he’s a great player. I have no ill will.”"

Marshall has an affinity with the number, obviously.

It’s what he wore during LSU’s historic national championship-winning season in 2019 and although there will be some pressure associated with No. 88, it’s probably something the rookie is fully aware of.

Full credit to him for taking on the challenge.

Olsen added during his interview with Fowler that he thought it was a bit soon, but holds no ill-will against the organization for giving away his number in 2021.

"“I’ll be honest, though — in the beginning I was like: I don’t know. It seemed kind of quick. But that’s the way it goes. I wish nothing but the best for the kid. I was talking to coach (Matt) Rhule at a golf outing and said, ‘Hey, I hope he (Marshall) plays well. I hope he does great. Just let him know that there’s a lot of balls that have been caught in that number. So you better go out and catch the ball’.”"

The NFL is a fast-moving world that waits for no man. But imagine the uproar if a current member of the roster was wearing the No. 1 or No. 59 – numbers associated with Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly – this season.

Steve Smith’s contributions on the field are now a distant memory.

Yet it would take a brave man to wear No. 89.

At the end of the day, it’s just a number. This probably means more to the players than it does to fans, but it’s going to be strange seeing someone other than Olsen catching passes with 88 on their back next season.

Supporters can often get wrapped up in nostalgia and the success of days gone by. Olsen’s status in franchise history is unquestioned and will live through the ages regardless of whether someone is wearing his old number or not.

As for Marshall, expectations are incredibly high. Keeping the wideout healthy is going to be the biggest stumbling block, but there’s nothing to suggest he cannot make a significant impression right from the word go.

And who knows, maybe he can carry on the fine tradition Olsen began in the now-famous No. 88.