Former NFL star Greg Olsen shared heartbreaking news Thursday, saying that his older brother Chris has passed away after a battle with glioblastoma. He was 42.
Videos by FanBuzz
Photo credit: Getty Images
Chris had been fighting the aggressive brain cancer for over a year, and Greg announced the loss in an emotional Instagram post.
"Despite fighting with every ounce of his being, my older brother Chris has lost his battle with Glioblastoma," Greg wrote. "This terrible disease took many things, but it could never take Chris's spirit for life."
Chris Olsen Jr. was a standout quarterback at Wayne Hills High School in New Jersey, where he played for his father, Chris Sr. He went on to Notre Dame and later transferred to Virginia, where he played in 13 games across three seasons.
After football, Chris built his life in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Greg often traveled during NFL broadcast season to be with his brother.
"These past few weeks, people came from all over the country to Little Rock to share Chris stories," Greg wrote. "We laughed. We cried. We remembered a larger-than-life personality who made everyone feel his love."
Greg said his brother's final weeks were filled with visits, memories, and love. And that Chris got to feel how many lives he touched.
He also asked for prayers for Chris's wife, Lindsay.
"She was his life. He was her 'Lovie,'" Greg said. "Our family is devastated. Everyone could take a lesson on how to live life from Chris."
Glioblastoma has a brutal reputation. Most who battle it live less than 18 months after diagnosis.
"Love you, brother," Greg wrote. "Always."
