Chris Olsen, the brother of Fox NFL analyst Greg Olsen, died at the age of 42, the former tight end shared on Instagram on Thursday.
Chris, who was two years older than Greg, battled glioblastoma, an aggressive form of cancer in the brain.
“It is with great sadness that I share this update,” Greg posted on Instagram. “Despite fighting with every ounce of his being, my older brother Chris has lost his battle with Glioblastoma. This terrible disease took many things, but it could never take Chris’s spirit for life.”
Chris Olsen Jr. had been battling an aggressive form of cancer. Instagram, @GregOlsen88
Glioblastoma has a median life expectancy of 14-18 months from the time of diagnosis.
Chris was born in Paterson, N.J., and attended nearby Wayne Hills High School, where he was a star quarterback under his father, Chris Olsen Sr.
Chris lived in Little Rock, Ark., where Greg had been traveling to and from while being a broadcaster for Fox.
“These past few weeks, people came from all over the country to Little Rock to share Chris stories. We laughed. We cried. We remembered a larger-than-life personality who made everyone feel his love,” Greg wrote. “More importantly, he was able to feel the love and impact he made on countless people over his 42 years.”
Chris Olsen Jr. [right] pictured with Greg Olsen [left] while wearing his Notre Dame jersey. Instagram, @GregOlsen88
Chris Olsen Jr. spent most of his time in Little Rock, Arkansas. Instagram, @GregOlsen88
Chris went to Notre Dame for football after high school, but stayed only one year before transferring to Virginia, where he played in 13 games over three seasons.
“Our family is devastated. Everyone could take a lesson on how to live life from Chris. I ask that everyone says a prayer for his amazing wife Lindsay. She was his life. He was her “Lovie.” On behalf of our entire family, we thank everyone for their continued prayers and love. We have felt it, Love you brother.”