Getting to Know Hans Olsen

Published on January 15, 2004 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Albany/Indiana Firebirds News Release


Interview by Mike McCaffrey, Director of Communications

Hans Olsen is a rookie OL/DL in training camp with the Firebirds this season. Though a rookie to the Arena Football League, Olsen is no stranger to the city of Indianapolis. He spent the past two seasons as a member of the Colts, playing both defensive tackle and offensive guard. The nephew of NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman, Merlin Olsen, Hans completed a stellar career at Brigham Young University by seeing action on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Olsen was an All-Mountain West Conference first-team selection at defensive tackle during his senior season when he recorded a career-high 45 tackles.

The Hans Olsen Quick-File...

Name: Hans (pronounced "Hance") Christian Olsen

Ht: 6'4 Wt: 298 lbs.

Born: July 31, 1977

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite TV Show: Survivor

Favorite Musician: Neil Diamond

Hobbies: Fishing

Best Non-Athletic Talent: Being a father

Greatest Fear: Burning to Death

MM: What was your first thought when you realized you were coming back to Indianapolis to play football?

HO: It's going to be hard to watch the team I was part of dominate the NFL and only hear about the Colts, rather than be included in with them. That is both good, because I am so proud of the guys, and it has also been hard for me.

MM: What is the temperature in Weiser, Idaho right now?

HO: It doesn't matter, the fishing is always right.

MM: How do you compare a training camp in NFL to the AFL?

HO: There have been no real comparisons that I have seen or felt yet, some things are harder, some are easier, but very little comparisons. These are two completely different games.

MM: OK, Neil Diamond. How does a 300-lb lineman become a Neil Diamond fan? How do your teammates react when you tell them?

HO: I enjoy Neil's music, it relaxes me. It calms me down and helps me concentrate. I try not to tell my teammates about it. (Hans was seated front row the last time Neil Diamond played in Indianapolis, and quoted it as "the best night of my life")

MM: Having played both "O" and "D" line at BYU, do you think that will help you adjust to the arena game a little better?

HO: Yes, it will be a significant help for me here. I have an understanding, and that is half the battle. Now I just need to fine-tune everything.

MM: You mentioned the St. Louis Rams as your favorite team growing up, if you are GM of the Rams, who is your head coach in 2004?

HO: Neil Diamond, no I'm just kidding. I have a lot of respect for Jim Mora, we got along very well here in Indy. I might try to convince him to come out of retirement.

MM: What do you like about Coach Landsee's coaching style that is different from other coaches?

HO: He tells you where you are at in his eyes. There are no guessing games with him. I respect that in a coach more than anything. (Hans had a similar remark about Colts President Bill Polian)

MM: How many conversations have you had with your uncle (Merlin Olsen) about being a professional football player? Who else do you lean to for advice?

HO: Just a handful is all, we have other things that we talk about. I tend to lean on my old man when I really need some advice. My parents have always been a solid source for me.

Read below a story written about Hans when he was a rookie trying to make the Colts.

http://specials.tribstar.com/Clients/Specials.Tribstar/colts.camp.2001/August10A.html

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from January 15, 2004


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