Some sad news to report from the gridiron as Pro Football Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen passed away Thursday after losing his battle with cancer. He was 69. Olsen was undergoing chemotherapy after being diagnosed a year ago with mesothelioma, a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, caused by exposure to asbestos.
Olsen Was Part of the Rams' Vaunted 'Fearsome Foursome'
Olsen, who played his entire 15-year career from 1962-1976 with the Los Angeles Rams, will best be remembered on the field for wreaking havoc on QB’s as part of the notorious “Fearsome Foursome”, the nickname given to the Rams’ dominating Defensive Line that featured Olsen along with fellow Linemen Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy. He was named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team in 1994 and to this day he shares the NFL record for most Pro Bowl appearances with 14 (along with Bruce Matthews). Truly one of the all-time greats.
I never had the chance to see Olsen play during his NFL career, yet I still to this day have very fond memories of Merlin on TV; as a football color analyst, as an actor alongside Michael Landon in Little House on the Prairie and later as the spokesperson for FTD Florists during the 80’s (there I go dating myself). I mean, how many former football stars could pull off becoming a flower spokesperson following their career? The answer is one and one alone – a testament to Olsen’s softer side and gigantic heart.
After watching that old commercial, I think I may just give FTD a call now and order one of those “Pick me up Bouquets”. Have ‘em send it to TSJ, “In memory of the great Merlin Olsen”.
What? No mention of his leading role on Father Murphy? Shame! Merlin – we’ll miss you.