Former Ohio State offensive lineman Shane Olivea died this morning at the age of 40, according to numerous of his teammates. Olivea, a 6-foot-5, 310-pounder from Cedarhurst (N.Y.), was a two-time all-state pick and USA Today All-American honorable mention.
He started three seasons for the Buckeyes, earning All-Big Ten accolades his junior and senior years. In the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, he led the team to a national title victory against Miami (Fla.).
Olivea, a seventh-round choice (No. 209 overall) by the then-San Diego Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft, started 57 games for the team over four seasons. He requested the Chargers for his release in 2008 to cope with his $584,000 opioid addiction and entered into a rehab clinic that spring. After 89 days in rehab, he signed with the New York Giants.
According to reports, former Buckeye Shane Olivea has passed away at the age of 40. Shane was a starter on the 2002 National Championship team. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2tWO0j1Vcn
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) March 3, 2022
Olivea was put on injured reserve after suffering a back injury in training camp. A member of the Florida Tuskers and Virginia Destoryers of the United Football League, he failed to return to the NFL.
He returned to Ohio State in 2015 to complete his sport industry degree. He finished 11 courses in December 2016 and planned to become a coach.
His family, Loved ones and fans are greatly pained at his demise. His obituary will be announced in a later date.
