Olsen's Son to Have Heart Surgery Thursday

T.J. Olsen, the 2-day-old son of Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen, will have the first of three major surgeries to correct a heart defect, The Charlotte Observer reported Wednesday.

Greg is the son of Wayne Hills football coach Chris Olsen. T.J. was diagnosed with the defect, known as hypoplatic left heart syndrome, when he was 18 weeks old in utero with his twin sister Talbot. Between one and four out of 10,000 babies are diagnosed with the condition annually.

T.J. will have two more surgeries before he turns 3.

Olsen’s wife Kara gave birth to the twins by Cesarian section Tuesday. The couple already has a 1-year-old son Tate.

Olsen told The Charlotte Observer via text message that T.J. continues to be closely monitored by physicians and staff and that the family appreciates “the thoughts and prayers and respect for our family’s privacy.”

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