Merlin Jay Olsen (born September 15, 1940, Logan, Utah) is a former American football player, playing at defensive tackle first for Utah State University where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity and then professionally (from 1962 to 1976) for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. The leading defensive star of his era, Olsen did not miss a single game in his 15-season NFL career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Following his retirement as a player, Olsen went to television as a color commentator, teaming with Dick Enberg on NBC's coverage of the AFC throughout the 1980s. He also enjoyed success as an actor (most notably as a regular on the series Little House on the Prairie), and as a commercial spokesman for FTD Florists.

Olsen donated one of his cleats, which was bronzed, to be used during the annual football rivalry between two Las Vegas high schools, Eldorado High School and Chaparral High School, which both opened in 1973. Each year, Olsen presents the "trophy" in the ceremony at the rivalry game.

External links

• Pro Football Hall of Fame page
• Career Stats

American football defensive linemen | Pro Football Hall of Fame | 1940 births | Living people | Latter Day Saints | Mormon actors | People from Utah | American sports announcers | Little House on the Prairie actors | The NFL on CBS | The NFL on NBC | Los Angeles Rams players | Utah State Aggies football players | Sigma Chi brothers

Merlin Olsen | Merlin Olsen | Merlin Olsen