24+ Merlin Olsen Quotes On Football, Field And Death

Merlin Olsen was an American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 15 seasons. He was a Hall of Fame defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams from 1962 to 1976. Olsen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and was also an actor, broadcaster, and commercial pitchman. Following is our collection on famous quotes by Merlin Olsen on life, love, football.

Top 10 Merlin Olsen Quotes

1. I was captain and should have set the example. I would lift a minimum of weights. Mine was natural physical strength. I always thought quickness and agility were much more important.
2. One of life's most painful moments comes when we must admit that we didn't do our homework, that we are not prepared.
3. I was always the last one chosen for football games in Central Park.
4. Nobody cared about swimming. You could draw a crowd for basketball.
5. Perseverance isn't just the willingness to work hard. It's that plus the willingness to be stubborn about your own belief in yourself.
6. You are the land. The land is you.
7. We need to know where we are going and how we plan to get there. Our dreams and aspirations must be translated into real and tangible goals with priorities and time frames.
8. The winning team has a dedication. It will have a core of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat.
9. I just wanted to be an athlete.
10. I've caught fish as big as I am. I've caught marlin close to 300 pounds.

Merlin Olsen Short Quotes

• I bet I made close to 20 tackles because nobody on either side knew what they were doing.
• Team doctors' jobs those days were to keep you on the field.
• I probably played hurt a lot more times than I should have.
• Most exciting for me was to make the Pro Bowl in 14 of 15 years.
• I can ski out of my back door.

Merlin Olsen Quotes About Football

Football linemen are motivated by a more complicated, self-determining series of factors than the simple fear of humiliation in the public gaze, which is the emotion that galvanizes the backs and receivers. — Merlin Olsen

I had a hockey puck and stick-the only ones in town. I definitely would have played hockey ahead of football, had it been available. — Merlin Olsen

It took me a while to realize that basketball wasn't football. — Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen Famous Quotes And Sayings

You can take the best team and the worst team and line them up and you would find very little physical difference. You would find an emotional difference. The wining team has a dedication. It will have a core group of veteran players who set the standards. They will not accept defeat. — Merlin Olsen

The basketball coach cut me within two days, so I was back in the pool. I was the first one in the wall after the first 25 yards, but the last one out because I didn't have a flip turn. — Merlin Olsen

Sigma Chi was a learning experience for me in personal growth, in finding out more about myself, in shaping my life more effectively, and in directing my energies more efficiently. All of those things were heavily influenced by my Sigma Chi experience. There is no question that that has had a tremendous impact on my career, profesionally and on my life. — Merlin Olsen

Our coach was absolutely out of his head. He must have read Bear Bryant's book. We had 78 players out. The first day 35 quit. Twenty quit the second day. We ended with 17 players. It was depressing. — Merlin Olsen

Our whole philosophy was to intimidate the quarterback. We were able to do it. We were pioneers. People still recognize us as, maybe, the best defensive line of all time. — Merlin Olsen

After a few games I knew I was going to be able to compete. The idea of being a star never crossed my mind. — Merlin Olsen

Life Lessons by Merlin Olsen

1. Hard work and dedication can pay off, as Merlin Olsen worked hard to become a successful football player and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2. It is important to stay humble and give back to the community, as Olsen was known for his philanthropic work and dedication to helping others.
3. Having a positive attitude and a strong work ethic can help you achieve success, as Olsen was known for his positive attitude and determination to succeed.