Merlin Olsen, Football Hall of Famer and Actor Dead at 69

Merlin Olsen, a former Los Angeles Ram Football Hall of Fame member and actor died Wednesday night after a lengthy battle with cancer according to news reports.

Olsen died from mesothelioma, a form of cancer, of which he was diagnosed with last year. Olsen was being treated for the cancer with chemotherapy since the diagnosis.

Olsen was an All-American at Utah State University where he won the 1961 Outland Trophy for the best interior lineman in the country and was a first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962, where he was a part of the "Fearsome Foursome" on the defensive line. Olsen became the "Rookie of the Year" for the Rams during his first year with the team.

The "Fearsome Foursome" was responsible for setting an NFL record in 1968 for allowing the least amount of yardage during the season. Other members of the "Fearsome Foursome" were Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Rosey Grier.

Olsen also set a record for the Rams, which he still holds for the most career tackles with 915.

After his football career, Olsen turned to acting. He had a role in the long running "Little House on the Prairie" series and later on in his acting career, his own series called "Father Murphy" from 1981 to 1983. His most recent television role was in "Aaron's Way" in 1988.

He will be sorely missed.

Sources:

ESPN

WDSU.com