Merlin Olsen

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Olsen's journey began in Logan, Utah, where he was the third-born child among nine siblings, with an older brother named Clark and an older sister named Merlene. Despite being cut from his high school basketball team with a coach telling him to pursue the arts instead, he chose football at Utah State University (USU) over a Stanford scholarship. As a senior in 1961, he won the Outland Trophy and led the Aggies to historic defensive records, including a 20–13 loss to New Mexico State in the 1960 Sun Bowl. The 1961 defense allowed only 7.8 points per game, while his 1960 unit allowed just 6.5 points per game. Under coach John Ralston, USU finished 10th in national polls during his junior and senior seasons—a first for the program. Olsen graduated with a degree in finance and was recognized as a scholar-athlete in 1961 before being drafted by both the Rams and the Dallas Texans (AFL) in 1962.

In Their Own Story

In 1963, Olsen joined Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier, and Lamar Lundy to form 'The Fearsome Foursome.' While Jones became the public face of the unit, Olsen often absorbed double or triple teams from offensive linemen, creating one-on-one opportunities for his teammates. This heavy lifting helped the Rams reach the playoffs in 1967 and 1969. In week 14 of the 1967 season, the entire Foursome was named AP NFL Defensive Players of the Week following a performance against the Baltimore Colts. By 1972, Olsen recorded 11 sacks, second on the team, earning Associated Press Defensive Player of the Week honors after week 8. The Rams dominated the NFC West from 1973 to 1976, leading the NFL in run defense in '73 and '74. His final game came in the 1976 NFC Championship against Minnesota, where a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown by the Vikings set the tone for a 24–13 loss.

Reader's Guide

Merlin Olsen was selected in the first round of the 1962 NFL draft and signed with the Los Angeles Rams for approximately $50,000 over two years, plus a bonus—a significant sum when the average salary was around $12,000. He made his mark immediately as the 1962 Rookie of the Year. Over his career, he earned First-team All-Pro honors in 1964 and from 1966 through 1970, with Second-team selections in 1965, 1973, and 1974. His 14 Pro Bowl selections stood as a record until matched by others; only Tom Brady has surpassed him with 15. In 1974, he received the Bert Bell Award as the NFL MVP from the Maxwell Football Club, accepting it on behalf of all who toil in the trenches. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982 in his first year of eligibility, with college coach Tony Knap as his presenter.

Did You Know?

• Olsen was cut from his high school basketball team in grade 9 and told by a coach that athletics were not for him.
• He turned down a football scholarship to Stanford University to play at Utah State University instead.
• His college defense held the Idaho Vandals to a school-record 23 total yards in a 69–0 victory.
• Olsen's brother Phil also played in the NFL, and they played together for the Los Angeles Rams from 1971 to 1974.
• He accepted his Bert Bell Award (NFL MVP) in 1974 on behalf of all who toil in the NFL trenches.

Early Life and College Dominance

Born in Logan, Utah, to Merle Barrus and Lynn Jay Olsen, Merlin was the second of nine siblings. His father served as a professor at Utah State University (USU), while his mother graduated in elementary education. The family was known for opening their home to host or tutor neighbors. Although cut from the high school basketball team in grade 9, Olsen became a three-year letterman and consensus All-America selection at USU. He won the Outland Trophy in 1961 and was named All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and Newspaper Enterprise Association after his junior year. The Aggie defense he anchored set school records for fewest rushing yards (50.8 per game) and total yards allowed. In 1960, they held Idaho to a record-low 23 total yards in a 69–0 victory. Olsen graduated summa cum laude with a finance degree in 1962 and later earned a master's in economics in 1971.

The Fearsome Foursome and NFL Legacy

Selected by the Rams in 1962, Olsen chose the NFL over the rival AFL. He played for Los Angeles from 1962 to 1976, missing only two games total. Alongside Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier, and Lamar Lundy, he formed 'The Fearsome Foursome' in 1963. Olsen frequently drew double or triple teams, freeing up Jones for one-on-one matchups. His play helped the Rams win NFC West titles from 1973 to 1976, with the team ranking first in run defense in 1973 and 1974. In 1972, he recorded 11 sacks. He was named NFLPA NFC Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1973 and won the Bert Bell Award (NFL MVP) in 1974. Olsen made 14 Pro Bowls, missing only his final year. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982.

Transition to Entertainment

After retiring from football, Olsen became a color commentator for NBC's AFC coverage, teaming with Dick Enberg for four Super Bowls (XV, XVII, XX, and XXIII) and nine Rose Bowls between 1980 and 1988. He also worked Super Bowl XIII in 1979 with Curt Gowdy and John Brodie. In acting, he appeared as Little George alongside Rams teammate Roman Gabriel in the 1969 film The Undefeated. He made a guest appearance on Petticoat Junction in 1970. His character's son Andy once noted, 'My pa doesn't know anything about football!' After leaving the series, he starred in his own NBC drama, Father Murphy.

Enduring Impact and Honors

Olsen is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1982) and the College Football Hall of Fame. He was named to the State of Utah's Sports Hall of Fame and USU's All-Century Football Team. In 2000, Sports Illustrated listed him as one of Utah's Top 50 Athletes of the Century. The Sigma Chi fraternity established an annual 'Merlin Olsen Day of Service' in his honor. On December 5, 2009, USU announced plans to name its football field after him during a halftime ceremony. He was also named to the 75th Anniversary All-Sun Bowl Team in 2008 and voted to the Newspaper Enterprise Association All-Time All-America team in 1969 alongside legends like Jim Thorpe and O.J. Simpson.