Merlin Olsen, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman and member of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome", died March 11 at City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, Calif. from complications of mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining. He was 69.

Olsen, who followed up football with a successful acting and broadcasting career, starred for 15 seasons for the Los Angeles Rams (1962-76) and was the anchor and leader of the famed defensive line that also included Hall of Famer Deacon Jones along with Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy.

An All-American at Utah State, Olsen was drafted by the Rams in the first round, third player overall, in the 1962 NFL Draft. He earned All-NFL six times (1964,1966-70) and was selected a first- or second-team All-Pro 10 times.

Olsen was named to the Pro Bowl a record 14 straight times beginning in the 1962 season, a feat only one other player in NFL history has earned. In all, Olsen played in 208 games in his NFL career that included a streak of 198 straight games that ended with his retirement. He played on six division winning teams and in three NFC championship games.

A member of two NFL All-Decade Teams, 1960s and 1970s, and the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, Olsen as was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and honored with the NFL Alumni’s Career Achievement Award in 1982.