Los Angeles Rams: 30 greatest players in franchise history

One can only imagine how different things would have been for Los Angeles from 1962-76 if Merlin Olsen had decided to be part of the AFL instead of the NFL. The stalwart defensive tackle was considering the option at one point.

After agreeing to join the Rams in 1962, Olsen would go on to make an immediate impact on the defense by playing well enough to earn Rookie of the Year honors and a trip to the Pro Bowl.

In fact, Olsen’s trip to the Pro Bowl as a rookie would be the first of 14 in a row for the defensive superstar. This is basically unheard of at the NFL level, no matter what the position may be.

Unfortunately, Olsen was one of those members of the Rams that never won the Super Bowl despite numerous attempts to make a run in the playoffs. At least becoming a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame helps make up for Olsen never being able to win it all.

The fact that Olsen earned his spot in Canton during his first year of eligibility in 1982 shows just how special of a player he was for Los Angeles on defense. His career was certainly filled with plenty of memorable moments that fans will forever be grateful for.

Placing Olsen this high on the list of all-time greats for the Rams may seem debatable, but no matter what, he certainly deserves to be in the discussion for the top-10 in franchise history.