Merlin Olsen was a legendary football player, television actor, and American football sportscaster.
He was born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah, as Merlin Jay Olsen.
Olsen played professional football for 15 years as a defensive tackle with the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL).
He was selected to play in the Pro Bowl 14 times, every year but his last.
Olsen was not only a successful football player, but he also had a thriving acting career.
He appeared in several television shows, including Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy.
However, despite his success, Olsen’s personal life was not without challenges.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, which eventually led to his death on March 11, 2010.
His lifetime exposure to asbestos, which caused the cancer, began as early as age 11 with a summer job on a construction site.
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Who Is Merlin Olsen?
Merlin Olsen was an American football player, announcer, and actor.
He was born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah, and attended Logan High School.
Olsen was a three-year letterman in football as a defensive tackle at Utah State University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
After college, Olsen joined the Los Angeles Rams in the National Football League (NFL) as a defensive tackle.
He played for the Rams for his entire 15-year professional football career, during which he was selected to play in the Pro Bowl 14 times, every year but his last.
Olsen was also named to the All-Time Team and the -Decade Team.
Olsen was known for his strength and durability, playing in 208 professional games, the last 198 of which were consecutive.
He was a key player on the Rams’ defensive line during the 1960s, which was known as “The Fearsome Foursome” and included players such as Lamar Lundy, Rosey Grier, and Deacon Jones.
In addition to his football career, Olsen was also an actor and announcer.
He appeared in several movies and television shows, including “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy.” Olsen was also a commentator for NFL games on CBS and NBC.
Overall, Merlin Olsen was a talented and accomplished athlete, actor, and announcer who made significant contributions to the world of football and entertainment.
What Is Merlin Olsen’s Net Worth?
Merlin Olsen’s net worth at the time of his death in 2010 was $25 million.
However, online sources vary in their estimates of his net worth, with some placing it as high as $50 million.
Merlin Olsen’s income sources were diverse.
Besides his football career, he was also a successful broadcaster, working for several channels.
He was also an actor, having appeared in several TV shows and movies.
Moreover, he was a businessman and had several business ventures, including a restaurant and a construction company.
In summary, Merlin Olsen’s net worth was estimated to be between $25 million and $50 million at the time of his death.
His financial success was a result of his diverse income sources, including his football career, broadcasting, acting, and business ventures.
What Are Merlin Olsen’s Sources of Income?
Merlin Olsen had a successful career as a professional football player, which was his primary source of income.
He played for the Los Angeles Rams for fifteen years, during which he was a highly regarded defensive tackle.
Olsen’s football career was marked by numerous achievements, including being a consensus All-American selection, winning the Outland Trophy, and being named All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and Newspaper Enterprise Association.
After retiring from football, Olsen pursued a career in television.
He worked as a television color commentator and sportscaster, covering football games and other sporting events.
He also appeared in several television shows and movies, including Bob Hope’s Christmas specials.
Olsen’s work in television was another significant source of income for him.
In addition to his work in television, Olsen was also involved in several business ventures.
He owned a restaurant in Utah and was involved in real estate development.
These ventures provided him with additional sources of income.
Overall, Merlin Olsen’s sources of income included his successful football career, his work as an American football sportscaster, television color commentator, and television actor, as well as his involvement in business ventures such as real estate development and restaurant ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Merlin Olsen’s net worth at the time of his passing?
According to Wikilogy, Merlin Olsen’s net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be between $1-5 million.
Who was Merlin Olsen’s spouse?
Merlin Olsen was married to his wife Susan Wakely for 49 years until his death in 2010.
What is the cause of Merlin Olsen’s death?
Merlin Olsen passed away on March 11, 2010, due to mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer.
What is known about Merlin Olsen’s family life?
Merlin Olsen had three children with his wife Susan Wakely, Kelly, Jill, and Nathan.
His brother, Phil Olsen, was also a professional football player.
How tall was Merlin Olsen?
Merlin Olsen was 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) tall.
How did Merlin Olsen transition from football to acting?
After retiring from football, Merlin Olsen became a successful sports commentator and went on to pursue an acting career.
He appeared in several TV shows and movies, including “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy”.
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