5 former Carolina Panthers players who thrived elsewhere in 2021

Greg Olsen – Former Carolina Panthers TE

Legendary former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen formally hung up his cleats last year, retiring as a member of the organization during an emotional joint-ceremony with linebacker Thomas Davis. However, the hugely respected figure thrived in a different way than we were normally accustomed throughout his first official campaign since retirement.

Olsen accepted an offer to join the Fox Sports team as an analyst. If anyone was worried about this transition, they needn’t have been.

The former first-round pick out of Miami has been absolutely outstanding in the booth, articulating his knowledge in an exemplary fashion. Olsen has a gift of explaining things for those less knowledgable about the game to understand, with his confidence coming to the fore right out of the gate despite little to no experience in this sort of environment.

Olsen’s charity work has also continued in retirement, which was acknowledged by the Panthers towards the end of the campaign when his son TJ was given the honor of beating the Keep Pounding drum before their home season finale against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

There is little doubt Olsen is still loved and respected in Carolina. His production on the field was matched by a fierce desire to make the community a better place – which will ensure his legacy lives on even in retirement.