The football world lost a former college star way too early today as former Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Shane Olivea passed away. He was 40 years old.
Olivea was a three-year starter for the Ohio State Buckeyes between 2000 and 2003. He was the starting right tackle on their 2002 national championship team.
During his time with the Buckeyes, Olivea established himself as one of the Big Ten Conference’s elite linemen. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors twice in his final two years with the team.
College football fans, publications and former Ohio State players have come out to mourn Olivea’s passing this morning.
Saddened by the news of the passing of Shane Olivea.
Shane was an absolute beast on the gridiron. A super cool soul during our time at The Ohio State.
Life’s precious & this news hurts my soul on many levels.
Prayers to his family, friends & loved ones.
“Rest up Champ.” 🕊#71 #70 pic.twitter.com/UdVDTlcVdc— Cie Grant (@CieGrant) March 3, 2022
On the heels of two of my great friends (Buckeye Teammates) Birthdays…. Schlegs and Nuge
Woke to the sobering news that @OhioStateFB lost a great one this morning. Shane Olivea passed last night.
Shane played OT at OSU from 2000-2003. National Champ and All Big 10 pic.twitter.com/tP22OKuqEr
— Bobby Carpenter (@Bcarp3) March 3, 2022
Former Ohio State offensive tackle Shane Olivea passed away this morning at the age of 40. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and helped the Buckeyes capture the 2002 national championship: https://t.co/bCU3drSeu9
— BuckeyesNow On SI (@BuckeyesNowSI) March 3, 2022
R.I.P. to one of the baddest dudes to ever wear the uniform
Shane Olivea was a beast
Heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/FYSOKHBhD6
— BuckeyeScoop.com (@kirk_barton) March 3, 2022
Shane Olivea parlayed his success in college football into a decent career in the NFL. In 2004, he was taken in the seventh round by the San Diego Chargers and immediately impressed head coach Marty Schottenheimer.
Olivea played in every game as a rookie, earning All-Rookie Team honors. In 2006, he was rewarded with a six-year, $20 million contract extension.
But pain became an issue for Olivea in the years that followed. He was released in 2008 for missing a drug test after previously testing positive for pain medications.
Olivea joined the New York Giants that offseason but was released a few months later due to an injury. He tried to mount a comeback in the short-lived UFL with the Florida Tuskers and Virginia Destroyers.
Our hearts go out to Shane Olivea’s family and loved ones.
The post College Football World Pays Tribute To Former Buckeyes Star appeared first on The Spun.