Hall of Fame NFL player Merlin Olsen dies at age 69

Merlin Olsen died March 11, 2010 in Duarte, Calif., outside Los Angeles. He had mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer often related to exposure to asbestos.

Olsen was the anchor of the vaunted Los Angeles Rams defensive line known as the "Fearsome Foursome."

In his 15 seasons with the Rams from 1962 to 1976, Mr. Olsen never missed a game and was named to 14 consecutive Pro Bowl teams

After his playing career, he was a TV football analyst for 16 years, had leading roles in the wholesome frontier dramas "Little House on the Prairie" and "Father Murphy" and was the longtime spokesman for FTD florists.

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