Hall of Fame
MERLIN OLSEN
Sport: Football
Years: 1959-61
A two-time All-American as a defensive lineman at Utah State in 1960 and 1961, Merlin Olsen won the 1961 Outland Trophy as the nation's outstanding interior lineman. Olsen was also a three-time Academic All-American (1959-61). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and the GTE Academic All-American Hall of Fame in 1988. Olsen graduated summa cum laude and Phi Kappa Phi in 1962 with a degree in finance.
He was the second player selected overall in the 1962 NFL Draft. Olsen became a charter member of the Los Angeles Rams and the famed "Fearsome Foursome." In 15 pro seasons, he was named an NFL-record 14 Pro Bowls. Olsen was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1962. He was chosen the league's Most Valuable Lineman in 1973. Olsen earned a spot on Sports Illustrated's All-Time NFL Team. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Olsen retired from professional football in 1976 to pursue a career as an actor and broadcaster with NBC. He covered five Super Bowls for NBC before moving to CBS in 1990.
