If you are a fan of American football, you might have heard of Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen. Both of them are former NFL players who had successful careers in the sport. But are they related by blood or just by name?
In this article, I will reveal the truth behind the relationship between Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen. I will also share some interesting facts about their lives and achievements. Let’s get started.
Contents
Who is Greg Olsen?
Gregory Walter Olsen is a former NFL tight end who played for 14 seasons with three teams: Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks. He was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Bears after playing college football at the University of Miami.
Greg Olsen is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends of his generation. He made three Pro Bowl appearances and was named to the Second-team All-Pro twice. He holds several records for tight ends, such as the most consecutive seasons with 1,000 receiving yards (three) and the most receptions in a single season (84).
Greg Olsen retired from playing football in 2021 and became a sportscaster for Fox Sports. He also runs a foundation called The HEARTest Yard, which supports families of children with congenital heart defects. He is married to Kara Dooley and has four children: Tate, T.J., Talbot, and Trent.
Who is Merlin Olsen?
Merlin Jay Olsen was a former NFL defensive tackle who played for 15 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He was drafted in the first round of the 1962 NFL Draft by the Rams after playing college football at Utah State University.
Merlin Olsen is considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time. He made 14 Pro Bowl appearances and was named to the First-team All-Pro six times. He was also part of the famous “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line that terrorized opposing quarterbacks in the 1960s.
Merlin Olsen had a successful career outside of football as well. He was a broadcaster for NBC Sports and CBS Sports for many years. He also acted in several TV shows and movies, such as Little House on the Prairie, Father Murphy, and The Undefeated.
Merlin Olsen passed away in 2010 at the age of 69 after battling cancer. He was survived by his wife Susan Wakely and his three children: Nathan, Jill, and Kelly.
Are Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen Related?
Despite their shared last name and careers in the NFL, Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen are not related. There is no evidence to suggest that the two men are related, either through their family history or their ancestry.
However, it is worth noting that Merlin Olsen did have a younger brother, Phil Olsen, who also played in the NFL as a defensive lineman for the Rams and the Broncos. Phil Olsen was also an actor who appeared in some of the same shows as his brother.
Greg Olsen’s father is Chris Olsen, who coached him in football and basketball at Wayne Hills High School in New Jersey. Chris Olsen is not related to Merlin or Phil Olsen.
Conclusion
Greg Olsen and Merlin Olsen are two NFL legends who share a common surname but not a common bloodline. They both had remarkable careers in football and beyond. They both left a lasting legacy in the sport and in their communities.
I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about these two amazing athletes. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in this topic.
