Too bad. He was a nice guy. Had the pleasure on a few occassions to meet Merlin and Deacon Jones at my uncles office. I remember way back in the late 70's going to Merlin's car dealership to pretend to buy a car just to see him. Hey we have a ton of autographed stuff of Merlin's if anyone wants any. Worth more now.
Did you ever sit next to him?
Merlin was tough mofo like this guy.
merlin was actually ina movie with wayne called the undefeated, along with teammate qb roman gabriel who played an indian.