Fearsome Foursome

football history

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July 19, 2026

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The Fearsome Foursome was the nickname for the renowned defensive line of the Los Angeles Rams in the 1960s. This formidable group was considered one of the premier defensive units in gridiron football history.12

Key members included Deacon Jones, a defensive end celebrated for his agility and skill in tackling quarterbacks behind the line of scrimmage, a move he termed a "sack". Jones also popularized the head slap, a tactic that has since been banned. The Fearsome Foursome's dominance on the field made them a legendary part of football lore.21

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Merlin Olsen
…was heralded as the “Fearsome Foursome” and dominated the NFL throughout the remainder of the 1960s. For every year but his final one with the Rams, Olsen was voted to the Pro Bowl. He retired in 1976 as the Rams’ all-time leader in tackles, with a career 915.
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…was heralded as the “Fearsome Foursome” and dominated the NFL throughout the remainder of the 1960s. For every year but his final one with the Rams, Olsen was voted to the Pro Bowl. He retired in 1976 as the Rams’ all-time leader in tackles, with a career 915.
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Los Angeles Rams
From The Fearsome Foursome to Eric Dickerson
…standout defensive line nicknamed “The Fearsome Foursome”: tackles Merlin Olsen and Roosevelt (“Rosie”) Grier and ends Deacon Jones and Lamar Lundy. The Rams also featured pro football’s first “big” quarterback, 6-foot 5-inch (1.9-metre) Roman Gabriel. As dominant as the Foursome was, however,
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…standout defensive line nicknamed “The Fearsome Foursome”: tackles Merlin Olsen and Roosevelt (“Rosie”) Grier and ends Deacon Jones and Lamar Lundy. The Rams also featured pro football’s first “big” quarterback, 6-foot 5-inch (1.9-metre) Roman Gabriel. As dominant as the Foursome was, however,
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