Merlin Olsen, a former NFL player turned actor and commentator, had a net worth estimated at around $19 million at the time of his passing in 2010. This wealth was accumulated not only from his successful 15-year career in professional football but also through his work in television and various endorsement deals. As one of the famed members of the “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line, Olsen earned significant income from his career with the Los Angeles Rams.
But what is Merlin Olsen’s total worth in 2025? Let’s find out.
What is Merlin Olsen’s Net Worth in 2025?
Besides the NFL, he was also successful as a broadcaster, actor, and businessman. In his media career, he worked for lots of channels. He also filmed The Undefeated, One More Train to Rob, Something Big, and Mitchell. The net worth of this successful American football player is $19 million. By dedicating his life to the field of football, he became able to be such a wealthy man with a flourishing career. A notable portion of the property he achieved in his life was from the fortune of his football career. However, in his post-retirement life, he also earned lots of money.
NFL Player Merlin Olsen’s Family
Olsen was born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah. The full name of this man is Merlin Jay Olsen. His father, Lynn Jay Olsen, was a professor. His mother, Merle Barrus Olsen, graduated in elementary education. He was the second child of nine children. His brother, Orrin Olsen, is a football player who played in the NFL. Another brother, Phil Olsen, is also a football player. His nephew, Hans Olsen, also played in the NFL.
Biography: |
Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Merlin Jay Olsen |
| Date of Birth | September 15, 1940 |
| Place of Birth | Logan, Utah, United States |
| Date of Death | March 11, 2010 |
| Age at Death | 69 years |
| Profession | Professional Football Player, Sports Commentator, Actor |
| Known For |
|
| College | Utah State University |
| NFL Team | Los Angeles Rams (1962-1976) |
| Position | Defensive Tackle |
| NFL Debut | 1962 |
| Career Duration | 15 years |
| NFL Achievements |
|
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 270 lb (122 kg) |
| Spouse | Susan Wakley |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth at Time of Death | Estimated $10 million |
| Notable TV Appearances | “Little House on the Prairie,” “Father Murphy,” NFL Sports Commentary |
| Post-NFL Career | Actor, Broadcaster, Commercial Spokesperson |
| Cause of Death | Mesothelioma |
| Legacy | Remembered for both his football excellence and significant impact in TV entertainment |
School and College Life
He completed his high school education at Logan High School in Logan, Utah.
Then he was admitted to Utah State University (USU) in Logan. He played for his college team, the Utah State Aggies, from 1959 to 1961. Here he played in the “defensive tackle” position. He got the honor of being a consensus All-American selection and won the Outland Trophy. In his junior year in 1960, he was also named an All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and the Newspaper Enterprise Association. He was named All-Conference in both 1960 and 1961. In his senior year, he averaged 50.8 rushing yards, 88.6 passing yards, and 139.4 total yards.
Drafted Teams and NFL Contract History
Merlin Olsen was first drafted in 1962 and retired in 1976. He spent all his career and time with the Los Angeles Rams. In the 1962 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams took him 3rd overall in the 1st round. He also got into the AFL Draft, coming in 2nd overall in the 1st round. He represented the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1976. In his career, he played in 208 games. The career statistics of this man are:
- Interceptions: 1
- AV: 167
- Sk: 91.0
Success and Awards
He was a First-Team All-Pro from 1966 to 1970. He earned his place on the second-team All-Pro five times (from 1963 to 1965, 1973, and 1974). For the fourteen times he won the honor of the Pro Bowl (from 1962 to 1975). He became the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1962. He earned his place on the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team. This man was part of the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team.
Hall of Fame
He earned his position on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He made his way to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. To honor him, the Los Angeles Rams retired jersey number 74. He won the Bert Bell Award in 1974. Olsen won the Outland Trophy in 1961. He was a first-team All-American in 1960 and 1961. Olsen became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He became a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
Wife and Kids
In personal life, Merlin Olsen married Susan Wakley. His wife is a fellow USU student. He married her on March 30, 1962. Their family has three children. They are Nathan Olsen, Kelly Olsen, and Jill Olsen.
Height, weight, and jersey number
Merlin Olsen stands up to 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 270 pounds.
His professional skills spread the light of his magic in the field of football, where he played in the “defensive tackle” position. Besides favoring his teams, he also made his career weighty in this position. His jersey number was 74 throughout his football career.
How did Merlin Olsen die?
Merlin Olsen is no longer with us. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2009. It is a type of malignant cancer. Under treatment, he took the last inhale of his life on March 11, 2010, at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. At the time of his death, he was 69 years old. He is interred in San Gabriel, California’s San Gabriel Cemetery.
Top 5 Merlin Olsen Quotes:
“After a few games, I knew I was going to be able to compete. The idea of being a star never crossed my mind.”- Merlin Olsen
“I was always the last one chosen for football games in Central Park.”- Merlin Olsen
“It took me a while to realize that basketball wasn’t football.”- said Merlin Olsen
“Nobody cared about swimming. You could draw a crowd for basketball.”- Merlin Olsen
“The winning team has dedication. It will have a core of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat.”- Merlin Olsen
Conclusion
Merlin Olsen was more than just a football player; he was an icon who excelled on the field and found a successful career beyond sports as a broadcaster and actor. His impact spanned generations, touching the lives of fans, colleagues, and the broader public alike. Whether through his Hall of Fame football career, his contributions as a beloved TV personality, or his humanitarian efforts, Merlin Olsen left an indelible mark. His net worth at the time of his passing reflected not just his financial success but also the extensive legacy he created over his lifetime.
FAQs
1. What was Merlin Olsen’s net worth at the time of his death?
Merlin Olsen’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million at the time of his death, which he accumulated through his careers in professional football, broadcasting, and acting.
2. What teams did Merlin Olsen play for during his NFL career?
Merlin Olsen played his entire NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, where he established himself as one of the most dominant defensive players of his time.
3. Was Merlin Olsen involved in television after his football career?
Yes, Merlin Olsen had a successful television career after retiring from football. He worked as a broadcaster for NFL games and also starred in TV shows such as “Little House on the Prairie” and “Father Murphy.”
4. Is Merlin Olsen in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Yes, Merlin Olsen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport as a defensive tackle.
5. What kind of charitable work did Merlin Olsen engage in?
Merlin Olsen was involved in numerous charitable efforts throughout his life, contributing to various community-focused causes and initiatives. He was known for his commitment to children’s hospitals and education programs.
