The Ohio State brotherhood lost a giant in March when former offensive lineman Shane Olivea passed away.
No cause was announced after his death. Medical documents recently released have revealed the cause of death as hypertensive heart disease.
Olivea played with the Buckeyes from 2000-2003 and was part of the 2002 national championship team. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers (now Los Angeles Chargers) in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL draft. The big tackle played with the Chargers from 2004-2007 and played in 60 games, starting 57, during his four seasons.
Olivea was released by the Chargers in 2008 because of an addiction to pain pills. Olivea was open about his struggles, saying he once took over 100 Vicodin pills in one day.
“There wasn’t one day in the NFL I wasn’t high on a pill after my rookie year,” Olivea told The Columbus Dispatch in 2015.
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
The former lineman entered rehab to overcome the painkiller addiction and seemed to have his life back on track. Unfortunately, his life was cut short at 40. Rest in peace big fella, and thanks for all the memories.
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