Greg Olsen gives medical update on son TJ after surgery

Former Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen has good news on his son, TJ , following a heart transplant.

Already one of the greatest tight ends of the 21st century, Greg Olsen has also been a great ambassador to the game of football. Not only was he a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All Pro, he represented the Carolina Panthers with pride for nearly a decade during his playing days.

Now, he’ll have the chance to be a father to his 8-year-old son, TJ, for what is hopeful to be years down the line.

TJ was born with a rare condition called called hypoplastic left heart syndrome, meaning he had just half a heart. Over the course of his life, he has been through multiple surgeries to correct it, but sadly, a transplant was his best option moving forward.

On Friday, one was found. Olsen announced on social media that TJ would undergo a heart transplant eight days after being put on the transplant list.

“Today is a day of mixed emotions,” Olsen wrote on Instagram. “A day we have prayed for has arrived. We were alerted last night that there was a donor match for TJ to receive his heart transplant.”

According to Olsen Friday evening, the doctors are pleased with the outcome of the surgery. Now comes the road to recovery.

Olsen to return stronger than before

Olsen and his wife, Kara, began the HEARTest Yard initiative shortly after the birth of TJ and his twin sister, Talbot. The foundation raises money for those less fortunate going through similar concerns as the family.

According to ESPN’s David Newton, Olsen has donated has donated millions to that charity to help families across the country. During his time in Carolina, he helped open a new facility at the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, known as the HEARTest Yard Congenital Heart Center.

Despite spending his final season with the Seattle Seahawks, the Panthers social media team released a statement Friday evening, stating “#PlayForTJ”, sending thoughts to the Olsen family during this time.