Knowra Merlin Olsen Merlin Olsen Merlin Olsen was an American football defensive tackle who spent his entire NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams before becoming an actor and sportscaster.
Fearsome Foursome : The Los Angeles Rams defensive line of the 1960s, featuring Rosey Grier, Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, and Lamar Lundy. Olsen formed one of the defining front four units in NFL history with these teammates.
Little House on the Prairie : An American television drama series based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, broadcast from 1974 to 1983. Olsen played Jonathan Garvey in this series, one of his best-known acting roles.
Pro Football Hall of Fame : The institution in Canton, Ohio, that honors outstanding figures in professional American football. Olsen was inducted in 1982 after a distinguished Rams career.
Utah State Aggies football : The college football program representing Utah State University in NCAA competition. Olsen became an All-American defensive tackle at Utah State before joining the NFL.
NFL Man of the Year Award : An annual NFL award recognizing a player’s community service and on-field excellence; now named for Walter Payton. Olsen received the award in 1974 for his football achievement and community work.
Deacon Jones : An American football defensive end renowned for his pass rushing, who played alongside Olsen on the Los Angeles Rams. Jones and Olsen anchored the Rams’ celebrated defensive line together.
Father Murphy : An American television drama series starring Merlin Olsen as a frontier-era orphanage founder, broadcast from 1981 to 1983. Olsen followed his Little House role with the lead in this series.
NFL 1960s All-Decade Team : A team selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame to recognize the NFL’s outstanding players of the 1960s. Olsen’s decade-long excellence earned him a place on this team.
1962 NFL Draft : The National Football League’s 1962 player-selection draft, held before the league’s 1962 season. The Rams selected Olsen in the first round, launching his professional career.
National Football League Players Association : The labor union representing professional American football players in the NFL. Olsen served as a players’ representative during his years with the Rams.
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