If you are about the age I am (48), you remember Merlin Olsen very well. First as a member of the Fearsome Foursome L.A. Rams defensive front (with Lamar Lundy, Deacon Jones and Rosey Grier) of the 1960s. Then as a broadcaster, often with Dick Enberg and finally as an actor, most famously for his role on “Little House on the Prairie.” Olsen died today at the age of 69 from cancer.
Olsen was an all-pro for 14 of his 15 years in the NFL and was elected to the NFL Hall of Fame.
From Wikipedia:
In January 2010 he filed a lawsuit against NBC Studios, NBC Universal, and 20th Century Fox for exposing him to asbestos.[3]
1 response so far ↓
1 Jason // Mar 12, 2010 at 5:27 pm
In fact, Mike, Olsen’s mesothelioma (a rare cancer) has been linked to asbestos exposure. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were connected in his instance.
A shame, and I was saddened to see the news this morning. Olsen was a tremendous, unselfish player. Deacon Jones was always effusive in his praise of Olsen, saying his brute strength, technique, and unselfishness absorbed countless blocks to allow Jones to get free (with that nasty head slap) for his millions of sacks.
Good broadcaster, too, in an era when being understated was still a nice attribute.
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