The Panthers were hoping to find a reliable receiving target for their rookie quarterback when they traded a third-round pick to the Bears in 2011.
They got so much more than that.
All Greg Olsen did with the Panthers was achieve something no one else at his position ever had, and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
Olsen tweeted out word Thursday morning that he'd be joining Thomas Davis next week for a joint retirement ceremony. Davis announced Wednesday night that he was signing a one-day contract to retire with the Panthers.
Technically, Olsen can't say that much since the Seahawks haven't officially released him.
But the 35-year-old is already set to embark on a television career with Fox, so it's a matter of time.
While he spent last year with the Seahawks and his first four with the Bears, Olsen flourished when he came to Carolina, in more ways than one.
Not only did he have three straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards — something no other tight end had done — he became an advocate and a part of his new community.
All three of his Pro Bowls came with the Panthers (2014-16), as he combined for 3,185 receiving yards during that span, leading the way as the 2015 Panthers went 15-1.
His impact off the field was equally impressive. Olsen turned the unfortunate diagnosis of his son's congenital heart condition into a chance to share his good fortune, using his foundation to establish the HEARTest Yard Fund along with Atrium Health, to help other families of infants with similar diagnoses.
One of the steadiest and most reliable players in franchise history, Olsen finished his 14-year career with 742 receptions for 8,683 yards and 60 touchdowns.
But stats can't describe the impact he made on a young locker room, and a community.
Olsen played nine seasons in Carolina and finished his career ranked third all-time in receiving yards and receptions in franchise history and first among tight ends.
Captains Cam Newton, Julius Peppers, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Ryan Kalil and Greg Olsen walk out to midfield during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Greg Olsen is tackled after making a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Greg Olsen and Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, November 18, 2018. The Carolina Panthers play against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in Detroit, MI.
Greg Olsen scores a touchdown during a week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
Greg Olsen and his family deliver beanies specially designed for patients at Levine Children's Hospital on Tuesday, November 13, 2018.
during the Carolina Panthers game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October, 29, 2017, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
