Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen has reportedly died today, according to several reports.
The former Los Angeles Rams star was 69 years old.
According to Olsen's hometown newspaper, the Cache Valley Daily in Logan, Utah, Olsen had been stricken by mesothelioma and had multiple rounds of chemotherapy before succumbing to the illness.
The St. Louis Globe-Democrat reports that Olsen passed away early this morning.
Olsen had a legendary NFL career as he worked in tandem with Deacon Jones on the Rams' formidable defensive line known as "The Fearsome Foursome."
Olsen was drafted third in the NFL draft and second overall in the AFL draft after winning the Outland trophy at Utah State, eventually choosing the Rams and playing for 15 seasons.
Selected as Rookie of the Year in 1962, Olsen made the Pro Bowl 14 times before retiring in 1976.
Six years later, he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
National Football Post extends its deepest condolences to Olsen's friends, family and former teammates and coaches.
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RIP Merlin Olsen. He was a great one.
Mr Olsen was as fine of a man to ba had in this world Both on and off the field, he was a classy man that did so much for the great game of football. He is to be remembered as well as missed by those of us that grew up watching his play as well as his analysis from the booth. Best to him and all of his loved ones the world over.
I was just getting seated on a flight to Newark, NJ a number of years ago when this large bearded man came on the plane and took the MIDDLE seat in coach behind me.
Yes, that's right. It was Merlin. I was in the presence of football greatness.
Merlin was seated next to a petite young woman and I they struck up a cordial conversation during the flight that went something like this:
Girl: You're really big. Were you a football player?
Merlin: Yes, I was. Do you know who I am?
Girl: Mmmm....no.
Merlin: I'm Merlin Olsen.
Girl: Oh.
Merlin: Not ringing a bell?
Girl: No, not really.
Merlin: You might know me as the guy on the FTD commercials.
Girl: Mmmm...nope.
Merlin: Did you ever watch Little House on the Prairie?
Girl: Well, maybe when I was really little...
Merlin: You might remember me as Father Murphy on that show.
Girl: Mmmm...nope.
Merlin: Oh, OK.
At this point, I couldn't take it anymore. I turned in my seat and extended my hand to Merlin, and it felt like I was shaking hands with someone wearing an outfielder's mitt. Simply a huge guy.
I said to the girl, "...I just have to say that you're sitting next to one of the greatest professional football players of all time. Merlin was an idol of mine growing up...I just wanted to be able to play defensive tackle like he did."
Merlin was very gracious with this and thanked me for my kind words. I later learned that he was on that flight to attend the "NFL's Greatest Players of the First 50 Years" event. Pretty cool!
I always wondered if Merlin and that girl kept in touch, though...
My condolences to Olsen's family... IMHO, Olsen was the best interior dlineman in the history of the NFL... His airtight play allowed Deacon Jones to become the player he was..
I always thought Merlin was a great color guy on NBC, paired up with Enberg. As a kid I learned so much about football from listening to him call games.
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Mar 11, 2010
11:50 AM
A great football player and a great guy off the field too. A throwback to times when players were tough and respectful. A very sad day for the NFL and all fans of pro football.