Chris Olave

BIOGRAPHY

Christian Josiah Olave is an American professional football wide receiver celebrated for his contributions to the National Football League’s (NFL) New Orleans Saints. Born on June 27, 2000, Olave is renowned for his remarkable performance on the gridiron, including setting the record for the most career touchdown receptions at Ohio State University.

Of Cuban descent from his father and African-American from his mother, Olave hails from San Ysidro, California. However, it was at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, where he first began to play organized football. After two seasons at Eastlake, Olave transferred to Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California, where he sat out his junior year due to the California Interscholastic Federation’s transfer rules. Olave’s senior year saw him catching 93 passes for 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns, setting the stage for his future career.

Aside from excelling in football, Olave was multi-talented to the point of becoming a member of the school’s basketball and track teams. He furthered his education and football career at Ohio State University, where he enrolled in January 2018.

Olave’s freshman year at OSU marked him as a rising star. He played on both offense and special teams, contributing significantly to the Buckeyes’ overall performance by recording 12 catches for 197 yards and three touchdowns. He particularly made a mark in the game against Michigan, where his touchdowns and a punt block played a crucial role in OSU’s victory.

The 2019 season allowed Olave to continue demonstrating his prowess on the field. This performance included three games with double touchdowns and a particular standout performance with four catches for 139 yards against Rutgers.

The 2020 season, albeit shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Olave’s continued dominance, with multiple receiving touchdowns and over 100 receiving yards in several games. This momentum carried into the 2021 season, where he finished with 65 receptions for 936 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. These performances would contribute to him leading the Big Ten.

For the 2022 NFL draft, Olave announced he would opt out of the Rose Bowl to focus on his future career. His decision paid off when he was selected by the New Orleans Saints as their first-round pick.

His NFL debut showcased his skills brilliantly as he scored three catches for 41 yards and a two-point conversion in a triumph against the Atlanta Falcons. His first professional season ended with magnificent statistics, which included 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and four touchdowns. He was even named to the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team for his outstanding rookie season.

Olave’s sophomore season did not disappoint, with some strong performances, including two games where he caught eight passes for over 100 yards each. He finished this season with 87 receptions for 1,123 yards and five touchdowns.

However, Olave’s career has not been without controversies. He even faced legal issues off the pitch. In October 2023, Olave was arrested by the Kenner Police Department in Kenner, Louisiana, on suspicion of reckless operation of a motor vehicle, allegedly driving at twice the speed limit. His legal woes, however, were not enough to keep him off the field, as Olave was reactivated from the Active/Non-football injury or illness list before the start of the season.

Through twists and turns, both professional and personal, Christian Josiah Olave remains a testament to the power of hard work, focus, and the will to succeed in one’s chosen field.