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Olsen was born September 15, 1940 and was well known for more then one reason.  He became a pro football player in 1962 being

drafted my the Los Angeles Rams in the first round.  Olsen stayed with the Rams for 15 years only missing close to 2 games.  By 1963 along with Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier, and Lamar Lundy this defensive line became known as the “Fearsome Foursome“.  He was selected into the Pro Bowl 14 times in his career and into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 19

82 and is still listed as one of the top 100 players of all time.

Merlin Olsen was also known as a TV actor.  Playing roles on the hit  TV show Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy.  Also after leaving the NFL he was a broadcaster, and spokesman for many years.

After a strong fight with cancer, mesothelioma, he died on March 11, 2010 at the age of 69.  Olsen was married and had three children, Kelly, Jill, and Nathan as well as four grandchildren.

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