Merlin Olsen Dies at Age 69

[DallasCowpoke]

Sad news. He was a well-respected guy for sure.

R.I.P. Merlin

 

[burmafrd]

One of the very best who ever played (Lilly was still better) and one of the most gentle and kindest of men. I thought that the role in that movie really typified Merlin Olsen. A real sweet guy until the game started and a real sweet guy after the game. During it he tore off heads.

 

[THUMPER]

I was very saddened by the news that Merlin Olsen had passed away. He was one of my favorite players and, next to Lilly, the best DT to ever play.

I met Olsen when I was 8 at a BBQ at Lamar Lundy's house (my dad knew Lundy). He was huge but was so nice and soft spoken, you couldn't help but like him. He was a great player and an outstanding announcer with Dick Enberg. That was one of my most favorite announcing teams ever as both had very pleasant, easy to listen to voices.

Like Hos, I remember him in "The Undefeated" as Little George and the big brawl in the movie where he was like a beast. His characters were just like he was in real life, big and gentle but he was anything but gentle on the field. He was a monster out there and it would be close between who was stronger, him or Lilly.

On all of my All-Time teams he and Lilly are my starting DTs.

Very sad to see him pass. :cry:

 

[burmafrd]

My ALL TIME starting DT's have been Lilly and Manster- but I have to admit it was very close between those two and Olsen.
And maybe my partiality to Cowboys clouded my judgement a little.

 

[big dog cowboy]

RIP Olsen.

Great player, great person.