Gunner Olszewski is one of the NFL’s purest underdog stories. The Alvin, Texas native wasn’t just overlooked; he was invisible to most recruiters. No Division I offers. No hype. Just a two-sport kid grinding in obscurity. Then came Bemidji State, a Division II program where he starred as a cornerback and punt returner.

From there, the Patriots noticed his work ethic and selected him as a UDFA. He became an All-Pro punt returner in 2020 (764 punt return yards) before moving to the Steelers in 2022 and landing at the Giants in 2023. That speaks volumes about the hard work he puts in. But he received all of those qualities from his family.

Who Are Gunner Olszewski’s Parents?

His parents, Eric and Collette Olszewski, did not believe in just destiny. They always told him to do everything he could to succeed and led by example. So, when the recruiters didn’t call, Eric sent tapes, emails, and messages, trying to find that one person who would give Gunner a chance.

His mother, Collette, made sure that the home was calm. The pressure of the game is already high. So, she made sure that he could always have a place to lean back on.

It wasn’t only support, but also the competition that awaited him in the world. Gunner’s older brother, EJ, played college football in Nebraska. So, the NFL receiver always had the inside call to become better every day. The fire that he plays with on Sundays was forged right there, long before Bemidji State ever saw his film. On the other hand, the younger brother, Bo, is also a footballer, who, too, like his brothers, played for Bemidji State.

Where Did Gunner Olszewski’s Parents Meet?/With Parents His Early Life

It’s a classic story of a small-town boy making it big in his life. Gunner Olszewski’s parents lived almost all of their lives in Alvin, Texas. That’s where they crossed paths for the first time, found a spark in each other, and decided to start a family. But when their sons grew up, they knew that Gunner and his brothers would make their own paths in life. Eric and Collette never tried to control them, instead fueling their desires to go big.

Eric became Gunner’s first coach, first QB, and sometimes his sharpest critic. Backyard drills were more than games; they were reps, and they came with lessons about work ethic. Collette made sure the bigger picture stayed in focus: schoolwork, discipline, lasagna (Gunner’s favorite), and perspective, even as her son’s dreams grew.

That Texas upbringing is why Gunner plays like he does now. With grit, swagger, and a bit of that prove them wrong fire in every step.

What Ethnicity Are Gunner Olszewski’s Parents?

According to Behind The Name, his surname Olszewski has Polish roots. If you follow the Polish language, it grew up from olsza, meaning alder tree. There are several similar-sounding names like Olszewo and Olszew. However, Gunner Olszewski’s parents or the player himself have never openly talked about it.

He is proud of being an American and growing up in Alvin, Texas. Moreover, he proudly revealed once that his grandfather was a gunner in Vietnam, which is where he took the name Gunner from. “It’s my middle name, that’s what I’ve always gone by. My grandpa was a gunner in Vietnam and that’s what he went by, so I guess that stuck,” the player said in 2015.

Inside Gunner Olszewski’s Relationship with His Parents

Gunner Olszewski’s parents have also made sure that their son always gets their support. Their relationship is still strong, no matter the ups and downs in his career or life. It was evident when the Patriots chose him. He went straight to them, calling them up. The NFL WR also talked about the order in which he told them, “My older brother, my old man, my mama, my little brother.”

For Gunner, his family comes first. And it’s only because of the constant efforts. Eric and Collette still live in Alvin. But they are a local celebrity now. So, when the parents show up with questions, the couple happily shares the mantras that they used.

And every time Gunner catches a punt, every time he bounces back from a hit, it’s a quiet tribute to them.