Merlin Olsen: Fearsome Foursome Lineman and Actor Dies at 69

Merlin Olsen was an American football player and actor. Born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah, he played at Utah State and won the Outland Trophy in 1961.

He was a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1976 and was part of their Fearsome Foursome line. He played in 14 straight Pro Bowls and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. After football he became an NBC broadcaster and an actor.

He starred in Father Murphy and appeared on Little House on the Prairie as Jonathan Garvey. Olsen died of mesothelioma in Duarte, California, on March 11, 2010, at age 69.

Achievements: 14 Pro Bowls, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1982).

Birth: September 15, 1940 - Logan, Utah.

Profession: Football player and actor.

Interesting Facts: He was a spokesman for FTD florists.