Merlin Olsen, one of the LA Rams' Fearsome Foursome, has died

Merlin Olsen, a real renaissance man with three distinct careers, died earlier today in California.

Olsen, a Hall of Famer (both college and pro ball Halls of Fame) tackle for the LA Rams in the 1960s and 1970s, was part of the Fearsome Foursome. Following his football career, he provided color commentary for NBC pro football games, and for the Rose Bowl.

When that career ran its course, he turned to acting. Among his many roles, he played the lovable giant, Jonathan Garvey on Little House on the Prairie. Later he had his own series, Father Murphy, and was the face of FTD florists' commercials for many years.

Olsen, 69, died of mesothelioma.