A childhood icon has passed. Merlin Olsen, one member of the Los Angeles Rams, yes they were in Los Angeles before moving to St Louis, defensive unit known as the Fearsome Foursome. Hailed as the best defensive line in football history, a distinction that remains true to this day. They were truly all for one and one for all.
The members of this defensive line were Lamar Lundy, who passed away in 2007, Rosie Grier, Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen.
Many people may only know Merlin from his role in the tv series 'Little House on the Prairie' never realizing that he played in the NFL, and not only played but still holds the record for most tackles (915). Besides his acting roles he was also a spokesman for FTD florists, which was quite a risk for a guy with his reputation.
He played in an era when men were men and the defensive units had nicknames like the 'Purple People Eaters' of the Minnesota Vikings.
My favorite of the 'Fearsome Foursome' was defensive end Deacon Jones. I don't know, it was just something about a guy with the name Deacon who went around flattening quarterbacks that struck me as ironic.
Rest in peace Merlin.
He was truly a gentle giant
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