Gunner Olszewski Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Gunner Olszewski

Kaleb Gunner Olszewski is an American professional football player who has carved out a notable career in the National Football League (NFL) primarily as a wide receiver and an elite return specialist. Born on November 26, 1996, in Alvin, Texas, Olszewski’s journey to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and versatility. He played his college football at Bemidji State University, a Division II school, where he was a standout defensive back. Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, he was signed by the New England Patriots and successfully transitioned to the wide receiver position. Olszewski quickly made his mark as a punt returner, earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 after leading the league in punt return yards and average. His career has also included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants, where he continues to be a valuable asset on special teams.

Gunner Olszewski Overview

Early Life and Education of Gunner Olszewski

Gunner Olszewski was born and raised in Alvin, Texas, a town with a rich sporting history. His parents are Eric and Collette Olszewski. His father, Eric, was a former minor league baseball pitcher in the Atlanta Braves organization, and this athletic background undoubtedly influenced Gunner’s own sporting pursuits. He has two brothers, and the competitive environment they shared growing up helped to shape his determined and resilient character. Olszewski attended Alvin High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in both football and baseball. On the gridiron, he was a two-time first-team all-district safety and set school records for career tackles with 270, single-season tackles with 150, and career interceptions with seven. During his senior year, he showcased his all-around ability by forcing six fumbles and returning three punts for touchdowns. After graduating from high school, Olszewski continued his athletic and academic journey at Bemidji State University, a Division II school in Minnesota. At Bemidji State, he was a standout player on the football team as a defensive back and also played baseball.

Gunner Olszewski’s Career

Gunner Olszewski’s path to the NFL is a story of determination and adaptability. At Bemidji State University, he was a dominant force on defense, earning the title of NSIC Defensive Player of the Year in his senior year. He was also recognized as a first-team Division II All-American. Despite his collegiate success as a cornerback, he went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. His professional aspirations led him to rookie minicamps with the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots. The Patriots saw potential in him as a wide receiver and return specialist and signed him as an undrafted free agent.

His transition to offense and special teams with the Patriots was a resounding success. In his rookie season in 2019, he made his NFL debut and showed flashes of his return abilities. The 2020 season proved to be a breakout year for Olszewski. He led the entire NFL in punt return yards and average, which earned him a prestigious first-team All-Pro selection as a punt returner. This remarkable achievement made him the first player from Bemidji State to receive this honor. During his time with the Patriots, he became a key contributor on special teams and also saw action as a receiver.

In March 2022, Olszewski signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His role with the Steelers was primarily on special teams, though he did have some opportunities as a receiver. After his tenure in Pittsburgh, he joined the New York Giants in 2023. With the Giants, he has continued to excel as a return specialist. A highlight of his time with the Giants came in Week 17 of the 2023 season when he returned a punt 94 yards for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams, earning him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Throughout his career, Olszewski has demonstrated a relentless work ethic and the ability to make a significant impact in the crucial third phase of the game.

Gunner Olszewski Personal Life & Family

Gunner Olszewski comes from a close-knit and athletic family. His parents are Eric and Collette Olszewski. His father’s experience as a professional baseball player likely instilled in Gunner a strong work ethic from a young age. He has two brothers, an older brother named EJ and a younger brother named Bo. The three brothers shared a competitive but supportive bond, often playing football in their backyard, which helped forge Gunner’s toughness and passion for the game. Both of his brothers also played football. The family resided in Alvin, Texas, where Gunner spent his formative years. When he made the Patriots’ 53-man roster in 2019, he shared the emotional moment by calling his family, a testament to their importance in his life and career. The name “Gunner” is his middle name, which he has always gone by; it is a tribute to his grandfather who was a gunner in the Vietnam War. While much is known about his supportive family, Olszewski has kept details about his romantic life private, and there is no publicly available information regarding a wife or girlfriend.

Awards and Achievements of Gunner Olszewski

• First-team All-Pro (2020)
• NFL punt return yards leader (2020)
• AFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 13, 2020)
• NFC Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 17, 2023)
• NSIC Defensive Player of the Year (2018)
• First-team Division II All-American (2018)
• NSIC Newcomer of the Year (2015)

Gunner Olszewski Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Gunner Olszewski’s net worth is estimated to be around $8.19 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his career in the National Football League. Throughout his time in the NFL, he has earned a substantial amount from contracts with the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants. His career earnings through the 2025 season are reported to be approximately $8,815,100. In 2022, he signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers worth $4.2 million. Most recently, he signed a one-year contract with the New York Giants. For the 2025 season, his base salary with the Giants is $1.17 million.

Legacy and Influence

Gunner Olszewski’s legacy is that of an underdog who, through sheer will and versatility, carved out a successful career in the highly competitive National Football League. His journey from an undrafted player from a Division II school to an All-Pro return specialist is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. He has demonstrated that a player’s draft status does not define their potential for success. His transition from a defensive back in college to a wide receiver and elite returner in the pros showcases his remarkable athleticism and football intelligence. He has set a new standard for players from Bemidji State University, becoming the first from the program to be named a first-team All-Pro in the NFL. His tenacious playing style and his knack for making game-changing plays on special teams have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for. Olszewski’s story is a powerful reminder that dedication and a willingness to adapt can lead to achieving one’s dreams, regardless of the odds.

Interesting Facts about Gunner Olszewski

• Gunner Olszewski was a two-sport athlete at Bemidji State University, playing both football and baseball.
• His middle name, Gunner, which he goes by, is a tribute to his grandfather who served as a gunner in the Vietnam War.
• In high school, he set school records for career tackles (270), single-season tackles (150), and career interceptions (7).
• His father, Eric Olszewski, was a minor league baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves organization.
• Olszewski’s 17.3 yards per punt return average in 2020 set a New England Patriots franchise record.

Controversies

While Gunner Olszewski’s career has been largely defined by his on-field performance and work ethic, he did face a challenging moment during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 2023 game against the Cleveland Browns, he fumbled a catch, which resulted in a turnover for his team. While not a major controversy, it was a notable on-field miscue that was part of the narrative of his tenure with the Steelers. He has maintained a professional and controversy-free public image off the field.

Social Media Presence

• Instagram – Information not publicly available
• Twitter – Information not publicly available
• YouTube – Information not publicly available

Final Words about Gunner Olszewski

Gunner Olszewski’s career is a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the power of a relentless work ethic. From his beginnings as a standout defensive player at a Division II university to becoming one of the premier return specialists in the NFL, he has consistently defied expectations. His journey serves as an inspiration, proving that talent can be found at all levels of college football and that an undrafted status is not a barrier to achieving greatness in the professional ranks. As he continues his career with the New York Giants, Olszewski’s impact on special teams remains a significant asset. His ability to change the momentum of a game with a single return makes him a player to watch. Looking ahead, Gunner Olszewski is poised to continue to build upon his already impressive legacy as a dynamic and dependable player in the National Football League.