Merlin Olsen: 1940-2010

Merlin Olsen, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman and member of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" who followed up football with a successful television career in "Little House on the Prairie," NFL broadcasts and commercials, died March 11, 2010, at the age of 69.

This 1970 handout provided by NFL Photos shows Los Angeles Rams football player Merlin Olsen.

Los Angeles Rams' defensive tackle Merlin Olsen signing autographs in Los Angeles on Nov. 8, 1972.

Baltimore Colts quarterback Johnny Unitas shakes hands with President Johnson as Los Angeles Rams' Merlin Olsen, center, looks on, at the annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Feb. 1, 1968.

This 1964 photo shows the Los Angeles Rams defensive front four, known as the "Fearsome Foursome." From left to right are Lamar Lundy (85), Merlin Olsen (74), Rosey Grier (76), and Deacon Jones (75).

Merlin Olsen, right, of the Los Angeles Rams, battles Atlanta guard Gregg Kindle, in Los Angeles, Dec. 4, 1976.

In this 1980 photo, broadcaster Merlin Olsen is shown. Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen died Wednesday, March 10, 2010, in Los Angeles. He was 69.

Actor Merlin Olsen is shown in character as he takes a break during filming for his television series "Father Murphey," in Simi Valley, Calif., on Dec. 16, 1981.

In this 1977 handout photo, Merlin Olsen is shown in character for his part of a farmer-woodsman in "Little House On The Prairie".

Merlin Olsen is seen at the NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu on Jan. 31, 1982.

Pro Football Hall of Famer and former television actor Merlin Olsen speakes in Urbandale, Iowa, on June 22, 2001.

Pro Football Hall of Fame lineman Merlin Olsen addresses a crowd during the Gridiron Legends Luncheon Series at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., on May 2, 2007.