After 14 long years, NFL veteran Greg Olsen is retiring from the sport. He spent nine of those years with the Seattle Seahawks. Now, fellow retirees and NASCAR legends, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr have congratulated the veteran on taking this big step.

Out of the three of them, Dale Jr hung up his boots first. Johnson followed him at the end of the 2020 Cup Series season. Now, Olsen is the latest one to join the retirement club.

Dale Jr remembered a certain photoshoot with the 35-year-old. According to the former Hendrick Motorsports driver, he had to help Olsen get his jersey off over his pads. By his own admission, Dale Earnhardt Jr said that was when he truly felt like a teammate.

Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jimmie Johnson truly respected Olsen

Dale Jr said, “I imagined I was an NFL player for a second. It was cool. He probably didn’t notice. This shoot was our formal introduction to each other. I’d learn over the next several years that Greg is a very talented player, and the best of teammates. I’d also learn how much work he put into making his community a better place.

“He was motivated to make other people’s lives better. He retires from his role on the field but I know he’ll still continue his work off the field.”

“That’s going to continue to make a very positive impact on many peoples lives. Appreciate you Greg. Thanks for being a great example for all of us,” Dale Jr. added.

With no pressure on their shoulders, Dale Jr and Jimmie Johnson are free to do as they please. The former does make the occasional appearance in the Xfinity Series, just for the fun of it, though.

Meanwhile, Johnson is looking forward to making his IndyCar Series debut in the 2021 season.

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