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View Full Version : RIP, Merlin Olsen


UKFlounder
03-11-2010, 12:45 PM
I remember a little bit about Little House on the Praire and Father Murphy, but recall him mostly as a CBS commentator whom I really enjoyed. (Plus didn't he do commercials for FTD flowers?)

He was obviously also a heck of a football player before that too.

RIP, Mr. Olsen

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nfl/news/story?id=4985470
Sea Ray
03-11-2010, 01:12 PM
Sorry to hear that. I knew he was suing everyone under the sun for his mesothelioma including NBC. I think the suit is still on going

http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/31/football-legend-merlin-olsen-lawsuit-asbestos-caused-my-cancer-mesotheliomo-los-angeles-rams-ftd-florists-nbc-studios-fox-sherwin-williams-lennox-inductries-sues/
SunDeck
03-11-2010, 01:55 PM
I really liked his work as a football analyst. And it's always sad to hear of people dying from cancer. It's a hell of a way to go.
cumberlandreds
03-11-2010, 01:58 PM
I'll remember him as a very good announcer with NBC. He and Dick Enberg made up NBC's number one team for the NFL for many years. He was also one of the Fearsome Foursome that was the defensive line for the LA Rams in the late 60's to early 70's.
Chip R
03-11-2010, 02:30 PM
Sorry to hear that. I knew he was suing everyone under the sun for his mesothelioma including NBC. I think the suit is still on going

http://www.tmz.com/2009/12/31/football-legend-merlin-olsen-lawsuit-asbestos-caused-my-cancer-mesotheliomo-los-angeles-rams-ftd-florists-nbc-studios-fox-sherwin-williams-lennox-inductries-sues/


I had no idea he was even ill. Sad news.
RichRed
03-11-2010, 02:32 PM
I had no idea he was even ill. Sad news.

Same here. We're now down to the Fearsome Twosome (Deacon Jones & Rosey Grier).

RIP to another great voice from my childhood.
redsfanmia
03-11-2010, 06:14 PM
RIP Merlin, I met him at the Rose Bowl a few years ago and he was a very nice quiet man.
Spring~Fields
03-11-2010, 09:02 PM
I loved that guy. He always seemed to have such a wonderful and accomplished way about him, and his persona was such that it made me feel like I really knew him, even though of course I did not, then again, maybe we did.

It is sad that he has moved on.
BuckeyeRed27
03-11-2010, 09:57 PM
It's people like this that remind me how little I really do know about sports. I was born a little after Mr. Olsen's time and I'm going to be very honest I have never heard of him. I just finished reading some info about him and he seemed to be a pretty fascinating person.
RedsBaron
03-11-2010, 10:12 PM
Man, I hate to hear of his death. He was a terrific HOF football player, an insightful and interesting announcer, and a decent actor, but he was also well read, considerate and thoughtful and always seemed to be a first class person. R.I.P.
Deepred05
03-11-2010, 11:01 PM
Very sad news. A class act all the way. HOF on and off the field. RIP my friend.
savafan
03-12-2010, 09:53 AM
I remember him primarily from Little House on the Prairie, with some vague recollections of Father Murphy and his football announcing. RIP
Sea Ray
03-12-2010, 10:10 AM
RIP Merlin, I met him at the Rose Bowl a few years ago and he was a very nice quiet man.

I've never met him but that's certainly the way I saw him. But what's so fascinating is that he was one mean football player. He was anything but Father Murphy on the D line