Merlin Olsen dead at 69

[SamuelKhan]

Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen has died at 69 after a bout with cancer.

Olsen was a Pro Bowler 14 times in a 15-year career.

The Rams announced the sad news on Twitter. Olsen had been fighting mesothelioma.

Olsen was a member of the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" with Deacon Jones, Roosevelt Grier and Lamar Lundy. Olsen was a defensive tackle who allowed his fellow defenders to pressure quarterbacks.

Olsen had a second career on TV. He was an actor who appeared on Little House on the Prairie and was the lead in Father Murphy. He also was an analyst on NFL games for NBC. -- Sean Leahy

 

[BellaRisa]

Wow, he was one of my first little girl crushes when he was on Little House on the Prairie, RIP 🙁

 

[Bugman]

I never post here, but this thread caught my eye. I am old enough to remember when the "Fearsome Foursome" were in their prime. Merlin was one of the greats. R.I.P. 🙁

 

[Soda Bobinski]

Owner of one of the greatest 'sports beards' of all time.

So long , Mr. Olsen.