The death of Merlin Olsen brought some of his close friends to tears. One of them, former teammate Rosey Grier, cried when he heard the news.

The NFL legend and actor died from complications related to malignant mesothelioma–this condition erodes the protective lining around the lungs. He was diagnosed last year.

Grier said he was planning to visit his friend in the hospital on Wednesday but Olsen’s brother told him that it would probably be better if he visited on Friday.

Grier recalled his last phone conversation with Olsen. “So Phil put the phone to his ear and we were able to talk. He sounded sick but the thing was, he still sounded like Merlin.”

In 1982, Olsen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was selected to play in 14 consecutive Pro Bowls, a string that began his rookie season of 1962.

“I loved that man. I really loved him,” Grier said as he remembers his friend.

(story from USA Today)