Who Is Merlin Olsen? Age, Biography and Wiki
Merlin Olsen was born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah. Renowned as both an American football icon and a beloved actor, Olsen made significant contributions in both fields throughout his life. He attended Utah State University, where he garnered the attention of the NFL. By the time he passed away in 2010, Olsen had established a legacy as a proficient defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams and an endearing presence in Hollywood, starring in shows like "Little House on the Prairie."
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1940 |
| Age | 69 Years |
| Birth Place | Logan, Utah, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 11 March, 2010 |
| Died Place | Duarte, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Merlin Olsen's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Merlin Olsen stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) and had a robust build that suited his football career. During his playing days, he weighed around 280 pounds (127 kg). His athletic physique contributed significantly to his success on the football field and helped him transition into a successful acting career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Merlin Olsen was married to his longtime wife, Kathy Olsen, and the couple enjoyed a loving partnership until his passing in 2010. They shared four children together: Mary, Kelly, Josh, and Troy. While there hasn’t been any public information regarding relationships outside of his marriage, it’s clear that his family life was cherished and enduring.
In 1961, Olsen received the Outland Trophy, awarded to as the best lineman of the year in college football. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. As an actor, he portrayed farmer Jonathan Garvey on Little House on the Prairie. After leaving that series, he starred in his own NBC drama, Father Murphy.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Merlin Olsen's estimated net worth was approximately $15 million. His wealth was accumulated through his NFL career, endorsements, and a successful acting career, where he appeared in a number of television shows and commercials. It's important to note that these figures are now reflective of his life and legacy rather than ongoing earnings.
After college, Olsen had offers from both the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League and the Denver Broncos of the rival American Football League. He chose the security of the NFL and signed with the Rams. Olsen's first contract was for around $50,000 for two years, plus a signing bonus.
It was 1962, and the average football player salary at the time was around $12,000 a year. He was the first USU Aggie to be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL draft.
Career, Business and Investments
Olsen's football career began when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. Over the course of his 15 years in the NFL, he was named to the Pro Bowl multiple times and is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After retiring from football, he transitioned smoothly into a broadcasting career, spending over 25 years as a sportscaster. Olsen also made noteworthy appearances in film and television, enriching his portfolio with roles in various productions such as "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy."
Beyond entertainment, Merlin was involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts, ensuring that his legacy would benefit others long after his passing.
Merlin Jay Olsen (September 15, 1940 – March 11, 2010) was an American professional football player, announcer, and actor. For his entire 15-year professional football career he was a defensive tackle with the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl 14 times — every year but his last.
The only other football players to have matched or exceeded that number are Bruce Matthews, Tony Gonzalez, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady, who is the only NFL player to have played more times in the Pro Bowl, with 15 selections.
Social Network
Merlin Olsen was remembered fondly by fans across various social media platforms. While he didn't maintain an active personal social media presence due to his era, his legacy is preserved on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where fans share memories and tributes in honor of his contributions to both sports and entertainment.
The Aggies, not known as a national power football program, finished 10th in both the AP and UPI post-season polls, the only time that has occurred in school history. The Aggies had a combined 18–3–1 record during Olsen's junior and senior seasons under coach John Ralston and were conference champions those two seasons as well.
Education
Olsen graduated from Utah State University with a degree in business, where he also played college football. His education and experiences shaped his disciplined approach to both his athletic and acting careers, setting him apart as not just a celebrity but a well-rounded individual.
In conclusion, Merlin Olsen's captivating legacy as a football player and actor continues to resonate with fans around the world, and his contributions to both fields will be remembered for generations to come. While he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the stories he shared and the lives he touched.
Merlin pursued athletics in high school but was cut from the basketball team while in grade 9, told by the coach that athletics wasn't for him and that he should take up the arts. Later, Olsen turned down a football scholarship to Stanford University to play for USU. Classmate Ross Peterson described him as a "natural, big, strong leader ...
he could have been successful at anything". His brothers Phil and Orrin also played football.
