This week in North Utah history.
Merlin Olsen, Logan native, died on March 11, 2010
Merlin Olsen died on March 11, 2010, at age 69. Born in Logan, Utah, he gained national attention as a dominant defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. He played 15 NFL seasons and made 14 Pro Bowl appearances. Before that, he starred at Utah State University, where he won the Outland Trophy. Olsen was inducted into both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame. After retiring from football, he worked as a broadcaster and actor, appearing in Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy. He also held a degree in finance and completed a master’s in economics. Utah State later named its football field in his honor. Olsen supported charities and served as a spokesperson for several organizations. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and died in California the following year. Olsen is buried in San Gabriel. His legacy remains strong in Logan, where his athletic and academic roots began.