Greg Olsen's Son Leaves Hospital After Heart Transplant

Greg Olsen's son, TJ, underwent heart surgery in early June after receiving a donor match.

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The son of former NFL tight end Greg Olsen left the hospital Wednesday after rehabbing from a heart transplant.

Olsen received some good news in early June as a donor match was found to replace the heart of his son, TJ. The next day, Greg Olsen shared that his eight-year-old had made it through the surgery and was being transferred to the ICU. While the parents would not be able to see TJ for a few more hours, the doctors were "very happy with the surgery." 

Since the day TJ was admitted into the ICU we talked about the day we could “ring the bell”.

Today was that day! We are finally whole again and we couldn’t be more thankful!

Thank you all for the amazing support and prayers!#playfortj pic.twitter.com/8bi5Tmh1Of

— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) June 16, 2021

UPDATE- TJ is finished with surgery and is being transferred to the ICU. We won’t be able to see him for a few more hours but his doctors are very happy with the surgery. TJ will be sedated for a few days but his road to recovery has begun. https://t.co/JrYayw2j59

— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) June 4, 2021

"Their selflessness during a tragic time gave our boy a chance at life," Olsen tweeted. "We don’t know who they are, but we will forever be grateful for everyday we get to have with TJ."

TJ required three heart surgeries upon birth as well as the installation of a pacemaker. He was placed on the heart transplant list on May 28. 

"We were alerted last night that there was a donor match for TJ to receive his heart transplant," Greg Olsen tweeted Friday. "Walking our little boy, with tears of hope and fear in our eyes, was one of the toughest moments of our lives."

"We ask for everyone’s prayers for TJ and his amazing team of doctors and nurses. TJ has a long road ahead of him but today is a huge step forward. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the outpouring of support through this entire journey."

lives.

We ask for everyone’s prayers for TJ and his amazing team of doctors and nurses. TJ has a long road ahead of him but today is a huge step forward.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the outpouring of support through this entire journey.

The Olsen Family

— Greg Olsen (@gregolsen88) June 4, 2021

Greg Olsen logged 14 NFL seasons before retiring in 2020. He is a three-time Pro Bowler, tallying 524 catches and 39 touchdowns in nine years with the Panthers. Olsen and his wife, Kara, founded the HEARTest Yard initiative after TJ's birth to support families facing similar medical issues.