Merlin Olsen Biography

Fast Facts

• Was voted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• In 2000, was named a Utah Athlete of the Century by Sports Illustrated
• Graduated from Utah State University's College of Business and Social Sciences in 1962
• Is the brother of former NFL players Phil Olsen and Orrin Olsen
• Quote: "I'm sure that I take out many of my personal aggressions on the field, but I don't play football for that reason․ My roughness and aggressiveness at certain times are prompted by my desire to be a better football player․"
• Occasionally co-hosted telethons on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network
• Was coached by Hollywood actor Michael Landon for his role as Jonathan Garvey on NBC's "Little House on the Prairie․"