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Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen dies

Thu 11th, March 2010

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Pro football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen died early Thursday morning in California after a battle with cancer.

He was 69 years old.

Olsen was a two-time All-American at Utah State, playing both the offensive and defensive line, and won the Outland Trophy as the nation's outstanding interior lineman in 1961, then went on to star in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams.

In 15 seasons with the Rams, Olsen was selected for 14 Pro Bowls and was part of the famed "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line with Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy. He was selected as the NFL's Rookie of the Year in 1962 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of Merlin's passing. He was not only an extraordinary football player but just a superb human being," stated Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry.

Olsen played in 208 NFL games with the Rams, helping the club to six division titles and three NFC Championship Game appearances. He was a member of two NFL All-Decade teams -- the 1960s and 1970s.

"Merlin was the epitome of greatness, both on and off the football field," said Chip Rosenbloom, owner/chairman of the Rams. "He was a Hall-of-Famer in every sense of the word, a legendary Ram who lived to the highest standards of personal and professional integrity. On behalf of my sister, Lucia, Stan Kroenke, and the entire Rams family, we mourn his passing, and our deepest condolences go out to the Olsen family."

After his football career ended in 1976, Olsen made a smooth transition to the broadcast booth with NBC Sports. He also worked as an actor, first on "Little House on the Prairie" and then starring in "Father Murphy."