Gunner Olszewski’s name might not have been at the forefront of the New York Giants’ offseason headlines, but in a single breathtaking moment, he managed to shift some of that spotlight in his direction. After months of working his way back from injury, the veteran return specialist and receiver turned heads in training camp with a stunning catch that instantly became the talk of practice. For a player fighting to re-establish his place on the roster, that one play served as both a reminder of his abilities and a statement to coaches, teammates, and fans alike that he is not ready to fade quietly into the background. His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward, and his comeback effort is as much about persistence and preparation as it is about talent.
Olszewski’s career has been defined by grit. Coming into the league undrafted in 2019, he carved out a role with the New England Patriots primarily through his work on special teams, earning All-Pro honors as a punt returner in 2020. His hands, quickness, and willingness to absorb hits made him a trusted figure in the return game, but injuries and changing team needs eventually left his future uncertain. When the Giants picked him up, it was with the hope that his versatility could add depth to a roster still looking for consistent contributors in multiple phases. That hope, however, was tested early when an injury sidelined him, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as others stepped up in his absence.
Now, back on the field, Olszewski seems determined to prove that his time away has not dulled his edge. The catch that sparked so much buzz came during a competitive portion of practice, with coverage tight and space limited. Quarterback placement and receiver instinct had to align perfectly, and they did. Olszewski adjusted mid-route, twisted his body in midair, and snatched the ball over a defender before hitting the turf. It wasn’t just the difficulty of the catch—it was the sheer athleticism and timing that impressed observers. For a player trying to reassert himself, moments like these are priceless, because they plant a lasting image in the minds of coaches evaluating every rep.
The Giants’ wide receiver and returner spots remain in flux, and Olszewski knows the competition is fierce. Younger players are hungry, new signings are eager to justify their contracts, and draft picks are fighting to prove they belong. In that environment, a player with Olszewski’s experience and skill set has to find ways to stand out, and highlight-reel plays are one of the surest ways to do it. But what coaches value just as much—if not more—are the less glamorous aspects of a player’s game: crisp route running, understanding of the playbook, special teams reliability, and blocking effort. Olszewski has built his career on those fundamentals, and while the flashy catch was the headline-maker, it’s the quieter consistency that may ultimately decide his fate on the roster.
Coming back from injury always adds another layer of complexity. The physical rehab is grueling, requiring not only patience but discipline to avoid setbacks. There’s also the mental hurdle of trusting the body again—running full speed, cutting sharply, or absorbing contact without hesitation. Teammates and coaches have noted that Olszewski hasn’t shied away from those challenges in camp, and his willingness to put himself in contested situations like the one that led to his spectacular grab shows that his confidence is intact. For players returning from injury, confidence can be the difference between blending in and breaking through.
The Giants’ offense, under pressure to be more dynamic this season, could benefit from the kind of versatility Olszewski offers. His background as a return specialist means he can flip field position in an instant, while his time as a receiver gives him the ability to line up in multiple spots and create mismatches. In an era where roster spots are precious, the more hats a player can wear, the better his chances of sticking around. Head coach Brian Daboll has shown a preference for players who bring multiple dimensions to the team, and Olszewski fits that mold.
Special teams could end up being the clearest pathway for Olszewski to secure his spot. The Giants’ return game last season was inconsistent, with injuries and roster churn forcing multiple players into the role. Having a proven commodity who’s been recognized at the highest level in that phase of the game is a luxury most teams would welcome. If Olszewski can show in the preseason that he still has the quick burst, vision, and ball security that made him an All-Pro returner, he can make himself invaluable even if his snaps on offense are limited.
What makes his situation compelling is that it mirrors the reality for many veterans on the fringe of NFL rosters. The league is constantly infusing new talent, and younger players often come cheaper and with longer potential upside. Veterans have to justify their spot not just with performance but with reliability, adaptability, and leadership. Olszewski, by all accounts, has embraced that challenge. Teammates describe him as a worker—someone who stays late, takes extra reps, and studies film meticulously. Those qualities don’t always show up in highlight packages, but they matter greatly to decision-makers.
The preseason games ahead will be crucial. Practice catches, no matter how spectacular, can only carry so much weight compared to live game performance. Olszewski will need to translate his camp momentum into production under the lights, where tackling is real, speed is faster, and mistakes are more costly. If he can replicate or even come close to the kind of body control and hands he displayed in that viral catch during actual games, it will be hard for the coaching staff to overlook him.
Injury comebacks also resonate with fans in a unique way. Supporters appreciate players who fight their way back, especially those who don’t have the security of a superstar contract. Olszewski’s story of battling through setbacks to make a single standout play is the kind of narrative that energizes a fan base looking for underdog heroes. And in a city like New York, where every play is scrutinized and every effort is magnified, moments like his catch can take on an outsized significance.
It’s worth noting that while one play can’t make a career, it can serve as a turning point. For Olszewski, this catch might be that moment—a visible marker of progress in his comeback and a reminder to everyone watching that he’s still a viable playmaker. Even if the Giants ultimately make difficult roster decisions, his performance could catch the eye of other teams in need of a reliable returner and depth receiver. The NFL is full of stories where a single preseason highlight led to an unexpected opportunity elsewhere.
In the coming weeks, the challenge for Olszewski will be consistency. Coaches will be looking for him to stack good days on top of one another, to show that his spectacular grab wasn’t an isolated flash but part of a broader upward trend in his performance. If he can do that—while contributing in special teams drills, building chemistry with quarterbacks, and staying healthy—he can shift from a roster question mark to a roster lock.
For now, the image is still fresh: Gunner Olszewski leaping, hands extended, defender draped over him, ball secured as he hits the ground. It’s a picture of resilience, athleticism, and opportunity all wrapped into one frame. Whether it becomes the first chapter of a full-fledged comeback story or simply a memorable moment in training camp, it’s already clear that Olszewski has given himself a fighting chance. And in the NFL, sometimes that’s all a player needs to change everything.
If Olszewski’s career has shown anything, it’s that he thrives when the odds are stacked against him. From undrafted hopeful to All-Pro returner, from injury rehab to highlight-maker, his path is lined with moments where perseverance met preparation. That stunning catch might not guarantee him a role, but it proves that when the ball is in the air and the pressure is on, Gunner Olszewski can still deliver in a way that makes everyone stop and take notice. In a league where rosters are in constant flux, and where one play can tilt the scales, Olszewski’s grab has already put him back in the conversation. Now it’s on him to make sure he stays there.
