Football Hall of Famer and actor Merlin Olsen has died at age 69 from complications due to malignant mesothelioma, a cancer that erodes the protective lining around the lungs.
Olsen, along with Rosey Grier, Deacon Jones and Lamar Lundy, was part of one of the best defensive fronts in NFL history. In the 1960s they were known as the Los Angeles Rams’ famous Fearsome Foursome. He played in 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, beginning in his rookie season in 1962, and in 1982 he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After his retirement from football, Olsen began a successful career as a commentator for NBC and a television actor, co-starring on the television series Little House on the Prairie, and later starring in his own show, Father Murphy.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement, saying: “Merlin Olsen was an extraordinary person, friend and football player. He was a tremendous Hall of Fame football player who then became an accomplished football broadcaster and actor. In recent years, it was an honor to work with Merlin on developing improvements for retired players. We all experienced how passionate and effective he was on that issue. He cared deeply about people, especially those that shared the game of football with him. Merlin was a larger-than-life person, literally and figuratively, and leaves an enormously positive legacy. On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our deepest sympathy to Merlin’s wife Susan and the Olsen family.”
photo: WENN