The Carolina Panthers played against NFC rival Atlanta Falcons which is a yearly occurrence. On this day the Panthers would lose to their rivals 33-16. This has been that kind of season for Carolina. Losing the Super Bowl to end the 2016 season, and starting the 2017 season with a loss to the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
Yesterday’s game was a total bust for the Panthers team, but for one player it turned out to be a very special day. Tight end Greg Olsen became the first player in NFL history have 3 consecutive 1000 yard plus receiving. Where you think about it, this is no small feat because Olsen rarely comes off of the field. He did not have a spectacular day catching the ball, he caught 6 balls for 59 yards and no touchdowns, but that was enough to put him over the top. He had 1,008 yards in 2014, 1,104 yards in 2015 and with one game left in 2016 Olsen has 1,051 yards.
Greg Olsen is a 10 year veteran of the NFL, starting his career with the Chicago Bears in 2007 and he came to the Carolina Panthers in 2011 via the trade route. During his time with the Panthers Olsen has averaged 70.8 catches and 893.6 yards a season as of the conclusion of yesterday’s game. Olsen is the most consistent tight ends in the NFL, he is always on the field, he is hard to guard and if you need yardage he is your man.
Olsen is a throwback player because he is always ready to play, never gives less than one hundred percent. He is as tough as they come. In my humble opinion he is the best in the game at this point in time. A lot more goes into being great than just playing the game. He is mentally tough, physically tough and he is a humble, but as confident as any to ever lace up a pair of cleats.
This Carolina Panther has made his case for greatness, the proof is in his work ethic off the field and it is reflected in his play on the field. He has made a place for himself in NFL history.
Sporting Thoughts of Stone Samuels 