Greg Olsen, former NFL star, has recently sparked curiosity about whether he is related to the late Merlin Olsen.
Gregory Walter Olsen, aka Greg Olsen, is currently a color commentator for NFL games on Fox Sports.
Furthermore, before he retired from the NFL on January 24, 2021, Greg Olsen played with several renowned teams of the NFL, including the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks.
Greg Olsen also won several honorable titles throughout his playing career, which include two times second-team All-Pro, three times Pro Bowl, PFWA All-Rookie Team, and First-team All-Acc.
On the other hand, Merlin Olsen was an American professional football player, announcer, and actor who was a defensive tackle with the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL.
Likewise, during his tenure of 14 years with the Los Angeles Rams, Merlin won several honorable titles, including the St. Louis Football Ring of Fame, the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, and fourteen Pro Bowls.
After his retirement, Merlin worked as a broadcaster, actor, and businessman. He served as a television color commentator on NBC’s coverage of the AFC during the late 1970s and 1980s.
Unfortunately, Merlin passed away on March 11, 2010, at City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California, at age 69 after suffering from cancer.
Moreover, seeing the shared passion for football, broadcasting, and similar surnames, many believe that Greg Olsen is related to the late NFL star Merlin Olsen.
Some also believe that Greg Olsen is the son of Merlin Olsen and is following in his father’s footsteps.
However, despite speculation, former NFL star Greg Olsen is not related to the late legendary footballer Merlin Olsen.
Greg Olsen and the late Merlin Olsen belong to a diverse family!
Greg Olsen was born on March 11, 1985, in Paterson, New Jersey, United States, to mother Susan, aka Sue Olsen, and father Chris Olsen Sr.
Moreover, his father was a high school football coach at Wayne Hills High School in New Jersey.
Inspired by his athletic father, Greg began his football and basketball journey while attending Watne Hills.
Likewise, Greg Olsen has two brothers, Kevin Olsen and Chris Olsen Jr. His older brother Chris Jr. played quarterback for the University of Virginia in Charlotteville, Virginia.
His younger brother Kevin is also a former footballer who served at Greg’s alma mater, Miami.
Greg Olsen currently lives with his wife Kara and three children: Tate and twins Talbot and T.J.
The late Merlin Olsen had three children, Kelly, Jill, and Nathan, along with his wife, Susan Wakley. The couple married on March 30, 1962.
Saw this photo of Merlin Olsen on IG.
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Likewise, Merlin was born on September 15, 1940, in Logan, Utah, United States, to parents Merle Barrus Olsen and Lynn Jay Olsen.
He had eight siblings: Ramona Whitaker, Colleen Davis, Gwen Saltern, Winona Barret, Phil Olsen, Orrin Olsen, Clark Olsen, and Lorraine Elzinga.
Merlin’s brothers Phil and Orrin are both former NFL players. Phil played for the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos like his late brother, and Orrin played for the Kansas City Chiefs.
In case you didn’t know
- Merlin Olsen began his college career with Utah State University before beginning his professional career with the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL in 1962.
- Greg Olsen began his professional career with the Chicago Bears of the NFL in 2007.
- After over five years with the Chicago Bears, Greg joined the Carolina Panthers on July 28, 2011.
- Merlin appeared in several movies and TV series, including The Undefeated, Something Big, and Kung Fu.
