Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen was a defensive tackle with the National Football League's Los Angeles Rams for his entire fifteen-year career. After his retirement from the NFL, he pursued a career in sports casting and acting. He was the second oldest of nine children and two of his brothers Phil Olsen and Orin Olsen who also played in the NFL when Merlin was active. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin_Olsen

Merlin Olsen also was in the movie The Undefeated with John Wayne and Rock Hudson. He was well known for his role on the television show Little House on the Prairie where he portrayed a man named John Garvey. He also portrayed John Michael Murphy in the television show ‘'Father Murphy'’.

Merlin Olsen was born on September 15, 1940 and lost his battle with cancer on March 10, 2010 at the age of sixty nine to Mesothelioma which is a type of cancer. Mesothelioma, which is a form of lung cancer, which a person who has been exposed to asbestos sometimes gets.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma

Merlin Olsen leaves behind Susan his wife, three children and four grandchildren.

Olsen also worked with Marie Osmond and John Schneider for The Children's Miracle Network]], which is an organization which helps to raise funds for hospital for children. The organization provides funds so the children can receive help when their parents or insurance will not cover medically necessities. http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org

Merlin Olsen played in 14 pro-games for the La Rams between 1962 and 1975 when he retired. In 1961, he won the Outland Trophy, and 1962 he was also voted Rookie of the Year. While playing with the Rams, he wore number 74, which was retired after he left the team. http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/member.aspx?player_id=168.ref> He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on January 23, 1982