St. Louis Rams honor former Aggie Merlin Olsen

ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Rams honored Hall of Fame defensive lineman Merlin Olsen on Sunday during halftime of their home game against the Houston Texans.

The Rams showed a video tribute narrated by Dick Enberg, who worked on NFL broadcasts with Olsen, a former Utah State all-American, as his color man. The video touched on highlights of Olsen's career as a member of the defensive line known as the "Fearsome Foursome" in the 1960s, when the franchise was in Los Angeles. The other members of the legendary line were Lamar Lunday, Rosey Grier and David "Deacon" Jones, whose No. 75 jersey was retired by the team earlier this year.

Olsen, who lives in Park City, was unable to attend Sunday's game due to health issues and was represented by one of his sons, Nathan Olsen.

In a prepared statement, Olsen said: "Thank you for the generous honors and kindness you have shared with me and my family. My thanks to all that have made this possible. I am extremely sorry that my medical situation will not allow me to be there in person with you today. I will tell you that I am proud to be a Ram and share the great Ram tradition. I would also like to extend the warmest holiday greetings to each and every one of you. Once again, thank you."

Olsen was NFL rookie of the year for the Rams in 1962 and was named to a record 14 consecutive Pro Bowls starting that season before retiring in 1976. He was voted NFC defensive lineman of the year in 1973 and the NFL MVP in 1974, and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982. The Rams moved to St. Louis in 1995. Olsen's name is on the Ring of Fame inside the Edward Jones Dome with other franchise standouts.