Merlin J. Olsen

Personal Biography:

Mr. Olsen graduated from USU with a bachelor's degree in Finance in 1962 and a master's degree in Economics in 1971. In his first profession as a football player, it should be noted that he was the first round draft pick (third overall) for the Los Angeles Rams in 1962, named Rookie of the Year for 1962, and a member of the Ram's "Fearsome Foursome." For 14 consecutive years, he was voted into the Pro Bowl, a record which still stands and was only recently tied in 2002. Further, Mr. Olsen played 168 consecutive games, was Player of the Year in 1974 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. His professional ability and performance is legendary as documented by his selection on the NFL's 75th anniversary All-Star Team.

Merlin Olsen was a professional football player long before players of his caliber made millions of dollars. Mr. Olsen had job offers from both IBM and Xeerox upon graduation from USU but decided to sign with the LA Rams instead. During his football playing days, he worked for corporations year round, starting with Allied Chemical. Later on, he worked for Leggit and Meyers as a motivational consultant and later for Pacific Outdoor Advertising.

Merlin Olsen can be described as an avid entrepreneur and put his business degree to good use. In the mid 1960s, he started a travel agency with Roman Gabriel. He also owned a Volkswagen dealership and a Porsche Audi agency. Upon retiring from football, he went to work for NBC as the network's top NFL analyst, covering five Super Bowls. He also became an actor, first playing the role of Jonathan Garvey on "Little House on the Prairie," as well as appearing in six films. Mr. Olsen continues to be widely sought after for endorsements. Careful to choose only those areas with high credibility, he has been the spokesman for Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers and Pioneer Hi-Bred International (a DuPont Subsidiary and the largest seed company in the U.S.). He continues to be the spokesperson for FTD Floral and recently signed with the National Association for the Self-Employed.

If his success in his profession and business is not enough, Merlin Olsen has been a tireless philanthropist. He has used his celebrity on behalf of several organizations, including his alma mater, Utah State University. He and his wife Susan served for fifteen years on the board of the MS Society of Southern California. His current favorite fundraising project is the Children's Miracle Network where he has helped raise over $1 billion. He and his wife, Susan, are currently living in Park City, UT.