Merlin Olsen (1940–2010,) fully Merlin Jay Olsen, was an American gridiron football player, sports announcer, and actor. He was one of the most extraordinary defensive linemen in the National Football League (NFL) history.
Born in Logan, Utah, Olsen gained prominence as an outstanding defensive tackle at Utah State University and won the 1961 Outland Trophy as the best lineman in college football. He was recruited by the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams in 1962 and was named the NFL Rookie of the Year, even though the Rams won only one game in the 1962 season.
Olsen played his 15-year professional football career as a defensive tackle with the Los Angeles Rams. He was picked to the Pro Bowl a record 14 consecutive times, missing selection only in the last year of his career.
After retiring from the NFL in 1977, Olsen put his star power to work on television, serving as an NFL commentator (NBC and CBS,) television spokesperson, and TV actor. He is best known for his portrayal (1977–81) of Jonathan Garvey on Little House on the Prairie, as the star of Father Murphy (1981–83,) and as Aaron Miller in Aaron’s Way (1988.)
Olsen’s brothers Phil and Orrin also participated in the NFL.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Merlin Olsen
The winning team has a dedication. It will have a core of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat.
—Merlin Olsen
Topics: Dedication
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