Date of Birth: September 15, 1940
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: March 11, 2010
Biography
Merlin Jay Olsen was an American football player, announcer, and actor. Born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah, Olsen grew up in a family that valued education and sports. He attended Utah State University, where he became a standout defensive tackle, earning All-American honors. Olsen was then drafted in the first round of the 1962 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, where he played his entire 15-season career. He was a key member of the “Fearsome Foursome,” one of the most formidable defensive lines in NFL history. After retiring from football, Olsen transitioned to a successful career in broadcasting and acting, notably starring in the TV series “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy.” Merlin Olsen passed away on March 11, 2010, from complications related to mesothelioma.
5 Interesting Facts about Merlin Olsen
1. Merlin Olsen was a 14-time Pro Bowl selection, which is tied for the most in NFL history.
2. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.
3. Olsen earned a master’s degree in economics from Utah State University.
4. He had a successful post-football career in broadcasting with NBC Sports.
5. Olsen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to television.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Merlin Olsen
1. “The thing I remember most about my playing days is how much fun it was.”
2. “Success is a journey, not a destination.”
3. “In life, as in football, you won’t go far unless you know where the goalposts are.”
4. “A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.”
5. “The important thing is to make sure that when you come to the end of your life, you know you did the best you could.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Merlin Olsen’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Merlin Olsen and his wife Susan Wakley had three children: Kelly, Jill, and Nathan.
Relevant Links
1. [Pro Football Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.profootballhof.com/players/merlin-olsen/
2. [NFL Stats](https://www.nfl.com/players/merlin-olsen/stats/
3. [IMDB Filmography](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0647698/
4. [Utah State University Tribute](https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-honors-merlin-olsen
5. [Hollywood Walk of Fame](http://www.walkoffame.com/merlin-olsen
