- Greg Olsen will be honored as the Panthers’ Legend of the Game on Dec. 20, 2025.
- Olsen called a Saturday FOX game and returned to Charlotte with his sons to watch the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup.
- A key figure in Carolina’s 2015 Super Bowl run, Olsen holds a franchise legacy and longtime ties to the Keep Pounding tradition.
H2: Olsen returns to Charlotte as Legend of the Game
Dec. 20, 2025 — Former Carolina Panthers tight end and current broadcaster Greg Olsen will be recognized as the Panthers’ Legend of the Game for Sunday’s home meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After calling the Saturday Philadelphia-Washington game for FOX, Olsen came back to Charlotte to spend an off Sunday at Bank of America Stadium with his two sons and to take part in the team’s pregame ceremonies.
H3: From trade to Super Bowl run
Olsen joined the Panthers in 2011 in what many consider one of the franchise’s most impactful trades, arriving from Chicago for a third-round pick. He became a cornerstone of Carolina’s offense during the early-to-mid 2010s and played a major role in the club’s run to the Super Bowl following the 15-1 2015 season.
During his Panthers tenure, Olsen became the first tight end in NFL history to record more than 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons and earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections. His consistency and leadership helped shape a stretch of playoff contention that still resonates with fans across Charlotte.
H3: Broadcasting, family and the Keep Pounding drum
Beyond his playing days, Olsen has built a prominent broadcasting career. He told Panthers.com he appreciated the timing of his schedule this weekend, which allowed him to enjoy a game as a fan and reconnect with the organization and community that supported him.
Olsen will also perform the team’s Keep Pounding drum ceremony heading into the fourth quarter — a role with deep personal meaning. His son TJ previously struck the drum in the Panthers’ 2021 home finale. TJ was born with a congenital heart condition and later received a successful heart transplant; the family’s charitable work continues through The Heartest Yard foundation.
H4: Memories and perspective
Reflecting on the Panthers teams he played for, Olsen pointed to several defining moments — road wins, playoff battles and the 2015 march through the NFC — as times the franchise proved it could compete with the league’s best. He praised current Panthers leadership, including head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan, for building a roster that has found critical wins this season.
Olsen said he’s excited to share the day with his kids and reconnect with fans, adding that this Sunday could be “the most anticipated home game in a long time.”
H4: What to watch
The Panthers promoted roster moves and injury reports leading into the Week 16 game, and team previews point to defensive matchups and Bryce Young’s play as keys to Carolina’s hopes in the NFC South race.
As Legend of the Game, Greg Olsen’s presence at Bank of America Stadium will link Carolina’s recent past to its present moment — offering a reminder of the franchise’s proud history and its ongoing ambitions.
Image Referance: https://www.panthers.com/news/legend-of-the-game-greg-olsen
