Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen was a dominant defensive tackle and cornerstone of the Los Angeles Rams' 'Fearsome Foursome' front, later becoming a prominent broadcaster and actor.

Born on 15 September 1940 in Logan, Utah, Merlin Olsen was a two-time All-American and won the 1961 Outland Trophy at Utah State University, graduating summa cum laude with a finance degree. The Los Angeles Rams selected him second overall in the 1962 NFL Draft, and he was inserted immediately into the starting lineup, winning NFL Rookie of the Year. Olsen became the stabilizing anchor of the Rams' legendary 'Fearsome Foursome' defensive line alongside Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy, a unit that helped transform the NFL into a league where defense commanded as much attention as offense. Big, fast and exceptionally intelligent, Olsen never missed a game across his 15-year career, playing 208 consecutive contests, and set an NFL record for a defensive lineman with 14 Pro Bowl selections. Olsen earned first-team All-NFL recognition in 1964 and from 1966 to 1970, was named the league's Most Valuable Lineman in 1973, and retired as the Rams' all-time leader in tackles with 915. He was selected to Sports Illustrated's All-Time NFL Team. After retiring in 1976, Olsen became a hugely successful broadcaster with NBC Sports, calling multiple Super Bowls, and a television actor, most notably starring in Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and remained one of the most beloved figures in the sport until his death from cancer on 11 March 2010 at age 69.

Big, fast and highly intelligent tackle with exceptional technique and consistency

Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most respected defensive tackles in NFL history

• Pro Football Hall of Fame (1982)
• 14x Pro Bowl (tied all-time record)
• 5x First-team All-Pro