In what might prove to be a strategic mistake, Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen has picked teammates Brian Urlacher and Matt Forte to join his squad in his charity kickball tournament July 9 in Chicago’s Grant Park.
The Bears players most qualified to fill the power hitting slots in a kickball lineup would be kicker Robbie Gould and punter Brad Maynard.
“I should talk to [them],” Olsen realized last week while talking to Pioneer Press. “[They] definitely would do better kicking the ball than the rest of us.”
Despite the NFL lockout, Long Grove resident Olsen pledged that he is in great shape and ready to go for the glory in what has become the world’s largest charity kickball tournament.
But winning isn’t everything: The most important result remains the money raised for Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation. Established in 2009, the organization was created to honor Olsen’s mother, a 10-year breast cancer survivor, while helping others realize a second chance at life, too.
“My mother’s diagnosis was a shock to our family,” Olsen said. “We watched her tackle cancer head-on while still raising a family and attending our extracurricular activities. I am happy to say that through perseverance and exceptional care she was able to overcome breast cancer.
“Our goal is for everyone to come out a survivor, just like my mom.”
All the money raised — $750,000 since the foundation’s inception — provides hospitals, doctors, and researchers with the necessary resources to save those affected with all types of cancers.
Olsen teamed up with C.H. Robinson Worldwide for the first time last year. Together they will host the eighth annual Kicks for a Cure kickball tournament.
“Most people haven’t played kickball in a while, so it lets people go have fun and let loose for an afternoon,” Olsen said. “It’s a whole different type of charity event.”
The tournament will feature three divisions of competition to allow players of all skill levels the opportunity to participate. The goal is to field 60 teams, with each squad guaranteed to play at least three games, potentially against Olsen, Urlacher and Forte.
Olsen has lived in Long Grove since the Chicago Bears drafted him 31st overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Olsen and his wife recently welcomed their first child in June.
“We like that it’s quiet here,” Olsen said of Long Grove. “It’s laid back and it’s a nice place to raise a family. We’ve enjoyed our time here.”
Asked to provide transportation advice or short cuts to his Long Grove neighbors joining him at the tournament, which is not too far from the Bears’ Solider Field home, Olsen laughed.
“Leave early,” he chuckled. “Traffic from here is sometimes tough, but it will be worth their trip. I promise.”
Registration for the Kicks for a Cure tournament is open to the public. Sponsors, donations and volunteers opportunities are still needed. Spectators can purchase a day pass for $50, which includes food and beverages in addition to access to the event.
For more information, visit kicksforacure.mytmc.com.
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