Mar 11 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Merlin Olsen, who was a Professional Football Hall of Famer,as well as an actor, has passed away at the age of 69, after a battle with mesothelioma cancer. The announcement was made via Twitter by the St. Louis Rams. Their current status reads as follows,”Rams legend and Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen passed away after long battle with cancer. Condolences to his family.” The Utah State University Assistant Media Relations Director, Zach Fisher confirms that Olsen died on Wednesday night, March 10.

Olsen was a first round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962, and All American at Utah State. He was also one of the Ram’s “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line. They set an NFL record for the fewest yards that they allowed the other team to gain during a 14 game season. Olsen still holds the Ram’s record for most career tackles, at 915.

After football, Olsen went on to appear often on the show “Little House on the Prarie” and then was the lead actor in a spin-off, “Father Murphy,” which aired from 1981 to 1983. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma, he filed a lawsuit in January of this year against NBC studios for exposing him to asbestos.

RIP Merlin Olsen, rest well, Father Murphy.