CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panther community rallied around tight end Greg Olsen over the weekend, helping him earn more money for his foundation, Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation.
[ PAST COVERAGE: Greg Olsen nominated for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year ]
Olsen was named a 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in November. The winner of the award will be announced on Feb. 4.
But to further celebrate and encourage fan support of all the nominees, a charity challenge was executed and fans were encouraged to post on social media using their favorite nominee’s unique hashtag. Olsen’s was #OlsenWPMOYChallenge.
The nominee who received the most hashtag mentions would win an additional $25,000 donation to his charity of choice from Nationwide -- and Olsen was declared the winner Monday morning.
Olsen, as one of the league’s nominees for the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, topped 31 other NFL players by receiving the most votes on social media with the hashtag #OlsenWMPOYChallenge from Dec. 12 to Jan. 8.
Despite trailing San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Torrey Smith heading into the contest’s final weekend, he would receive a heap of support in clinching him the comeback victory.
Off the field, Olsen works to make sure that everyone has a “second chance at life” through his foundation, Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation.
The foundation’s Receiving Hope program focuses on cancer research, support and education programming. The program has distributed over $520,000 to six hospitals and foundations since 2009, according to the Panthers.
The foundation’s HEARTest Yard Fund helps families of babies affected by congenital heart disease in coordination with Levine Children’s Hospital.
The fund was created in honor of Olsen’s son, T.J., who battled a rare heart condition called hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a congenital defect marked by an underdeveloped left ventricle and aorta.
To support Olsen, be sure to include the #OlsenWPMOYChallenge.