Merlin Olsen was a professional American football player who played as a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1976. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and was also named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Olsen was also an actor, appearing in several television shows and movies. He is best remembered for his role as Jonathan Garvey on the hit show Little House on the Prairie.