Posted by BROSEFOLOPHOGUS on
March 11, 2010


Hall of Famer and Former Rams Legend Merlin Olsen passed away at age 69 Thursday after a battle with mesothelioma (cancer), which is easily one of the worst-sounding diseases known to man. Olsen was diagnosed with the form of lung cancer about a year ago and has kept a low profile in that time. The Utah State graduate, won the Outland Trophy in 1961 and was the Rams’ 3rd overall pick in the 1962 draft. Olsen was apart of the “Fearsome Foursome” the infamous defensive line, that also featured Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy.
A beast in his time, Olsen was known for his compassion on opposing quarterbacks, unlike the original QB Killa Deacon Jones, who was notorious for trying to deliver the wood as a means of exciting his. Olsen gained a greater satisfaction from merely getting the tackle, shutting down the offense and moving on to the next play. In his 15 seasons with the Rams Olsen was selected to 14 Pro Bowls and an was named MVP in 1974. He was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982
Following his football career Olsen took advantage of being a celebrity in Los Angeles, parlaying his success on the gridiron into a solid acting career, teaming with Michael Landon on Little House On The Prairie and eventually getting his own spin-off, Father Murphy. Olsen had a very successful career as a broadcaster working for both NBC and CBS during his days in the booth.
Video of The Fearsome Foursome and Olsen portraying his legendary “Father Murphy” character after the jump…
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