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
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
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. – Merlin Olsen
I bet I made close to 20 tackles because nobody on either side knew what they were doing. – 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
One of life’s most painful moments comes when we must admit that we didn’t do our homework, that we are not prepared. – 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
