AM850.com

Pro Football Hall of Fame member Merlin Olsen is dead at the age of 69, a victim of mesothelioma, a form of cancer.

Olsen was a standout defensive lineman at Utah State and was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 where he joined fellow defensive linemen Deacon Jones, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy to form the "Fearsome Foursome" that went on to help the Rams defense set an NFL record for fewest yards allowed during the 1968 season.

After his playing days, Olsen teamed with Dick Enberg for years on NFL football telecasts on NBC and he also had starring roles in two TV series as well.

But it is on the football field where he will probably be most remembered as he made 14 consecutive Pro Bowls and he is still the Rams all time leader in tackles as well.