Merlin Olsen, RIP

[catman]

Merlin Olsen was one of my favorite football players. He was a burly DT for the Rams for 15 seasons, being part of the best defensive line of his era. He died last night of complications of Mesothelioma at 69.
Here is a story: NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen dead at 69 - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN

 

[storminn0rm]

RIP Merlin

 

[efactor]

Fearsome Foursome. Jones, Olsen, Brown and Lundy. Wow.............

RIP Merlin......................

 

[derringer007]

I'm lucky enough to see him play and what a player he was

RIP Mr.Olsen you will be missed

 

[Coachnorm]

Sad News, great player!

Inspirational to watch on the field!!

 

[efactor]

Merlin Olsen was one of my favorite football players. He was a burly DT for the Rams for 15 seasons, being part of the best defensive line of his era. He died last night of complications of Mesothelioma at 69.
Here is a story: NFL Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen dead at 69 - NFL News - FOX Sports on MSN

Amazing. 14 Pro-Bowls in 15 seasons! Playing DT at that high of level at age 37-38. Pretty incredible.

I remember an interview I saw when he was at the end of his career. He said his job was to tackle QB's, not try to hurt them. That made an impression on me. If you look at footage of him, you never see him taking a cheap shot or anything around the head. He was always wrapping them up in the chest area and taking them to the ground. Maybe that philosophy was part of what made him great. Not thinking about the big hit, just get the guy to the ground.

Anyway, great career and great man..............

 

[Remote Controller]

A true gentle Giant!

 

[catman]

He never intentionally hurt anyone. He hit people hard enough to knock them down, and he could knock anyone in football down.