Rams' current line seen as game's modern-day 'Fearsome Foursome'

Jared Verse knew something of the legends.

- BY GARY KLEIN

Rams Archives THE RAMS' DEFENSIVE FRONT harks back to the team's legendary "Fearsome Foursome" that terrorized quarterbacks in the 1960s. From left, Lamar Lundy, Rosey Grier, Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones.

"The Fearsome Foursome."

The Rams' famed defensive line of the 1960s, which featured ends Deacon Jones and Lamar Lundy and tackles Merlin Olsen and Rosey Grier, terrorized opposing quarterbacks.

During an October fashion shoot, Verse, the Rams' 25-year-old star edge rusher, met Grier, at 93 the only living member of the Fearsome Foursome.

"It was crazy, not just to see a living legend but somebody that played at a high level in the league," Verse said. "To be able to meet him and sit down with him, it was cool."

Grier also welcomed the opportunity to meet Verse, the reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year.

"I was very impressed with his countenance, courtesy and respect toward me," Grier said in an email.

Verse, edge rusher Byron Young and defensive ends Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske showed their respect for the Fearsome Foursome over the summer.

Fiske said the linemen had seen a famous photo of the Fearsome Foursome in a social media post. During the Rams' media day in June, the players made an impromptu request to recreate it.

“The coolest part about it is we're talking about that group 50 to 60 years later,” Fiske said. “I mean, that’s unbelievable. ... For a whole group to make their mark on something that is still considered one of the best is something we chase.”

The Rams’ young front is making its mark.

Turner was a finalist for NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2023. Verse won the award last season, and Fiske was a finalist.

Young, a third-year pro, has nine sacks this season, tied for sixth most in the NFL.