This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
Hall of Fame defensive tackle Merlin Olsen was the ring leader of the Los Angeles Rams' revered "Fearsome Foursome" along with Deacon Jones, Roosevelt Grier and Lamar Lundy. Olsen amazingly made the Pro Bowl in each of his first 14 seasons, and to this day no NFL player has a longer such streak. From 1966-70, Merlin was First Team All-Pro and he is still considered one of the greatest to ever line up at his position. In addition, he was one of the most intelligent students of the game—and of economics, in which he earned a master's degree during the off-season from his alma mater Utah State. And like his front-line battery mate Jones, Olsen enjoyed a successful post-football acting run, portraying farmer Jonathan Garvey on the hit series Little House on the Prairie.
This home white pullover garment was worn by Olsen during the '67 campaign as the Rams D-line punished opponents en route to a 11-2-1 record and first place finish in the NFL's Coastal division. The jersey features Olsen's number "74" on the front, back and both sleeves in blue tackle twill. Each shoulder area has a blue accent. Inside the button crotch flap is a Sand-Knit size 48 manufacturer's tag next to a white swatch indicating "67" in blue stitching. The classic durene jersey shows heavy wear throughout, with several team repairs and contact punctures in the blue numerals. It has a well-soiled tone front and back from intense on-field use. Aside from the noted team repairs, the jersey comes all-original as it was issued to Olsen. (NFL records indicate that only three teams -- Rams, Cowboys and Browns -- wore white at home from 1964-69.) This rugged gamer donned by one of football's legendary Hall of Famers can only belong in a serious gridiron collection. Includes LOA from MEARS with perfect A10 grade.