Christian Josiah Olave Bio
Christian Josiah Olave is an American professional football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 27, 2000, in San Ysidro, California, Olave played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he established himself as one of the most prolific touchdown scorers in school history. He was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 11th overall pick. Known for his reliable hands and precise route-running, Olave has become a cornerstone of the Saints passing offense and holds the Ohio State record for most career touchdown receptions with 35.
Early Life and Background
Olave grew up in San Ysidro, California, with Cuban heritage on his father’s side and African-American heritage on his mother’s side. He began his high school football career at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, playing there for two seasons before transferring to Mission Hills High School in San Marcos, California. His junior year was lost due to California Interscholastic Federation transfer rules, requiring him to sit out the season. This setback did not deter his development as a football player.
During his senior season at Mission Hills High School, Olave emerged as a dominant wide receiver, catching 93 passes for 1,764 yards and 26 touchdowns. Beyond football, he participated in basketball and track and field, demonstrating his athletic versatility. His outstanding high school performance attracted attention from major college programs across the country.
Path to Professional Football
Olave committed to Ohio State University in January 2018, choosing the Buckeyes over several other suitors. His decision to join Ohio State proved instrumental in his development as a professional prospect, as the program’s offensive system and competitive conference schedule prepared him for the next level. He arrived in Columbus as a versatile player who could contribute on both offense and special teams.
His progression through the Ohio State program was steady and impressive. Olave evolved from a rotational freshman into the program’s all-time leader in career touchdown receptions. The Big Ten Conference competition, including marquee matchups against rivals like Michigan, sharpened his skills against top-tier defensive talent. His consistency and ability to make big plays in crucial moments became hallmarks of his collegiate career.
Christian Josiah Olave Career
Ohio State Buckeyes (2018–2021)
As a true freshman in 2018, Olave played on both offense and special teams, recording 12 catches for 197 yards and three touchdowns. His impact was immediate, and he showed flashes of the playmaking ability that would define his career. A memorable moment came in the rivalry game against Michigan, where he caught two touchdowns and blocked a punt in Ohio State’s 62-39 victory. He followed that performance with five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown in the Big Ten Championship Game against Northwestern.
Olave’s sophomore season in 2019 saw him establish himself as a primary receiving threat. He recorded 48 receptions for 840 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, with three games featuring multiple receiving touchdowns. His standout performance came against Rutgers, where he caught four passes for 139 yards in the 56-21 victory. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors for his efforts.
The 2020 season was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Olave remained productive despite playing only seven games. He scored multiple receiving touchdowns in three games and surpassed 100 receiving yards in five games, demonstrating his consistency even with limited opportunities. His performance earned him first-team All-Big Ten recognition for the first time.
Olave saved his best statistical season for his junior year in 2021. He recorded four games with multiple receiving touchdowns and five games exceeding 100 yards. He finished with 65 receptions for 936 receiving yards and led the Big Ten with 13 receiving touchdowns. Following the season, he announced his decision to opt out of the 2022 Rose Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft, concluding his collegiate career as Ohio State’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions.
New Orleans Saints (2022–Present)
The New Orleans Saints selected Olave with the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, securing their future at the wide receiver position. He made his professional debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, catching three passes for 41 yards and a two-point conversion in the 27-26 victory. His first professional touchdown came in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings on a 4-yard reception from Andy Dalton.
Olave’s rookie season was promising despite an injury setback. He suffered a grade 1 concussion in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks that caused him to miss the following game. He added two more 100-yard performances throughout the season, finishing his rookie campaign with 72 receptions for 1,042 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. His performance earned him a spot on the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team.
The 2023 season saw Olave’s role expand significantly. He recorded two 100-yard games early in the season, including an 8-catch, 112-yard performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 and another 8-catch, 104-yard game against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. He suffered a grade 1 concussion in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons but recovered to finish the season with 87 receptions for 1,123 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
The 2024 season was derailed by injury concerns. Olave was placed on the Active/Non-football injury list on July 18, 2024, before being activated prior to Week 1. He suffered his third career concussion in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and another concussion in Week 9 that ended his season. He managed only 32 receptions for 400 yards and one touchdown in the 2024 campaign.
Olave bounced back strongly in 2025. The Saints exercised the fifth-year option on his contract, demonstrating their commitment to his long-term future with the organization. He suffered an unusual moment in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills when he attempted a trick play and threw an interception. Despite this setback and a blood clot in his lung that caused him to miss the season finale against the Atlanta Falcons, Olave delivered a career-best season with 100 receptions for 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He earned Second-team All-Pro honors for his performance.
Playing Style and Strengths
Olave is known for his precise route-running ability and reliable hands, making him a trusted target in critical situations. His 6-foot frame and 187-pound build provide a solid combination of size and speed that allows him to win contested catches while also stretching the field vertically. His understanding of offensive concepts and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage contribute to his consistent production. His quickness off the line of scrimmage enables him to create immediate separation on short and intermediate routes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Olave has achieved several significant milestones. He became Ohio State’s all-time leader in career touchdown receptions with 35, a record that underscores his scoring ability. His selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft marked the beginning of his professional journey with the Saints. His 2025 season represented a breakout performance, as he set career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns while earning Second-team All-Pro recognition. Despite injury challenges, his resilience and production have established him as one of the Saints’ most important offensive players.
Christian Josiah Olave Career Statistics
Olave has accumulated impressive statistics through his first four NFL seasons, establishing himself as a productive starting wide receiver. His career totals include 291 receptions for 3,728 receiving yards and 19 receiving touchdowns. His best season came in 2025 when he set personal bests across all major receiving categories.
NFL Career Highlights
His rookie season in 2022 demonstrated immediate impact with 72 receptions for 1,042 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning him PFWA All-Rookie honors. His sophomore season build on that foundation with 87 receptions for 1,123 yards and 5 touchdowns, showing growth as the Saints’ primary receiving weapon. After a challenging 2024 season limited by injuries, Olave returned in 2025 with his most complete professional campaign, catching 100 passes for 1,163 yards and 9 touchdowns while earning Second-team All-Pro recognition.
College Career Highlights
At Ohio State, Olave finished his four-year career as the program’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions with 35. He earned First-team All-Big Ten honors in both 2020 and 2021, following a Third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2019. His most productive college season came in 2021 when he led the Big Ten with 13 receiving touchdowns while catching 65 passes for 936 yards.
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | New Orleans Saints | 72 | 1,042 | 4 |
| 2023 | New Orleans Saints | 87 | 1,123 | 5 |
| 2024 | New Orleans Saints | 32 | 400 | 1 |
| 2025 | New Orleans Saints | 100 | 1,163 | 9 |
| Career | New Orleans Saints | 291 | 3,728 | 19 |
Family
Family Background and Heritage
Olave’s multicultural background has been a part of his identity throughout his life. His father is of Cuban descent, while his mother is African-American. This heritage has contributed to his unique perspective and character. He grew up in the San Diego area of California, where he developed his passion for football at a young age.
Personal Life
In October 2023, Olave was arrested by the Kenner Police Department in Louisiana on suspicion of reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Reports indicated he was driving 70 miles per hour in a 35 miles per hour zone. Beyond this incident, Olave maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his football career and professional development. He remains active with his alma mater’s alumni community and engages with fans through social media platforms.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a significant milestone in Olave’s professional career. After a frustrating 2024 campaign that was cut short by multiple concussions, he returned to form with consistent production throughout the season. His connection with Saints quarterbacks deepened, and he became the focal point of the passing offense. His ability to stay healthy for the majority of the season allowed him to accumulate career-high statistics across all categories.
Olave’s performance in 2025 earned him Second-team All-Pro honors, validating his status as one of the NFL’s rising stars at the wide receiver position. The Saints’ decision to exercise his fifth-year option reflected their confidence in his long-term potential. Despite the blood clot issue that emerged at the end of the season, his overall campaign demonstrated his resilience and commitment to excellence.
Looking ahead, Olave appears positioned to continue his growth as a premier NFL wide receiver. His chemistry with the Saints’ offensive scheme and his work ethic suggest he can maintain this level of performance in future seasons. The organization has invested significantly in his development, and his 2025 breakout season justified that investment. With continued health and stable quarterback play, Olave has the tools to become one of the league’s elite pass-catchers for years to come.