Merlin Olsen
Olsen, a member of the “Fearsome Foursome,” played his whole career for the Los Angeles Rams. Olsen played 15 seasons in the NFL and was named to the Pro Bowl 14 times, second only to Tom Brady. Olsen stood out as a defensive tackle because of his ability to rush the passer. The Rams’ defensive line, which included Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy, and Rosey Grier, tormented opposing offenses and utterly took over games. Olsen was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982 and went on to have a great career as an actor (Little House on the Prairie, Father Murphy).
Merlin Olsen
Richard Dent
Dent, an unsung hero from the 1985 Chicago Bears, was a vital part in what was possibly the best defense in league history. Dent was drafted in 1983, but spent much of his rookie season as a reserve. Despite starting only 10 games in Year 2, Dent racked up 17.5 sacks. Dent was a lock-in starter for the first time in 1985, and he delivered by leading the league with 17.0 sacks and seven forced fumbles. The Bears finished first in every key defensive category this season. Dent was a wrecking ball in the playoffs, earning 6.0 sacks in Chicago’s three victories.
Richard Dent