Greg Olsen, despite not being scheduled to call the game, has become a significant figure in the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX. Much of the attention on him stems from his being passed over for Tom Brady as Fox’s lead color commentator. However, one NFL writer chose to highlight a personal aspect of Olsen’s character during his time in New Orleans.
In a story for Athlon Sports, veteran NFL writer Doug Farrar shared a heartfelt connection he developed with Olsen amid his stepdaughter’s urgent need for a bone marrow transplant. Farrar detailed how his stepdaughter, Claire, was diagnosed with a grave bone marrow condition called aplastic anemia, necessitating a life-saving transplant. After securing a donor, Farrar and his wife launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the out-of-pocket medical expenses, which reached $30,000—less than half of their $75,000 target—before Olsen reached out privately on X.
“I’ll give you $10,000,” Olsen offered after inquiring about Claire’s situation. “Hate that you’re going through this, especially this time of year. It’s never easy for a parent. Please let me know the best way to handle.” Farrar later noted, “A few days later, we had Greg’s generous gift, which was a game-changer in so many ways.” Despite his extensive coverage of the NFL, Farrar admitted he had never interacted with Olsen until this moment, although he was aware of Olsen’s charitable efforts through his foundation, The Heartest Yard, which supports families navigating health challenges that arose after Olsen’s son was born with a heart defect in 2012.
New on @AthlonSports: Everybody knows @gregolsen88 as the Pro Bowl tight end and outstanding analyst. My family also knows Greg as someone who reached out to us in our hour of need with a gesture that was completely unexpected and life-altering. https://t.co/mObVYJOZqc
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) February 6, 2025
Although it has been over a year since Olsen’s donation, the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX provided Farrar the chance to express his gratitude in person. In their conversation, Olsen reflected on his experiences as a parent facing medical challenges with his own child. “I’ve been in those helpless situations. I’ve been in those dark days where you just want someone to help you,” Olsen recalled, referencing his son’s heart transplant at the age of eight. “Through our foundation, much of it focuses on pediatric cardiology, but it really extends beyond specific ailments. When you see others struggling and you can offer even a small gesture of support, it means a lot. I was truly moved by your story, and we felt fortunate to help.”
Farrar candidly shared that he set aside his journalistic objectivity while writing about this experience. “As much as Greg Olsen has accomplished on the field and in broadcasting, his kindness as a compassionate person and devoted father who genuinely cares about others far outshines his public accolades,” he remarked. “I’m proud to share this story of generosity, with Greg’s consent and my family’s support. Claire, Laura, and I would not be where we are today without it.”
