Shawne Merriman

Shawne Merriman 2005

Shawne Merriman 2006-10-01

Shawne Merriman

Shawne-Merriman Chargers-vs-49ers Sept 7 2009

Shawne DeAndre Merriman (born May 25, 1984), nicknamed "Lights Out," is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, primarily with the San Diego Chargers. Merriman was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft after a standout college football career at the University of Maryland. He quickly became one of the most dominant linebackers in the NFL, earning three Pro Bowl selections and being named an All-Pro player. However, his career was marred by injuries and controversy over performance-enhancing drug allegations.

Early Life

Shawne Merriman was born in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and attended Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, where he excelled in football and track and field. His prowess on the football field earned him a scholarship to play for the Maryland Terrapins at the University of Maryland, where he was recognized as a standout defensive player.

College Career

At the University of Maryland, Merriman was known for his speed, strength, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He earned the nickname "Lights Out" after knocking four opposing players unconscious in one game during his high school career, a moniker that followed him into college and the NFL. Merriman declared for the NFL Draft after his junior year, foregoing his senior season.

NFL Career

Merriman was selected 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, recording 10 sacks and earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Merriman's aggressive play and ability to sack the quarterback became his hallmark, leading the league in sacks in 2006 with 17, despite serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on steroids and related substances.

His performance helped the Chargers to several playoff appearances, but injuries began to take a toll. Merriman's production declined in subsequent seasons, and he was released by the Chargers in 2010. He had brief stints with the Buffalo Bills before retiring in 2013.

Controversies

Merriman's career was not without controversy. In 2006, he was suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, which he attributed to a tainted supplement. This incident sparked a debate about the use of such substances in professional sports and tarnished his reputation to some extent.

Post-NFL Career

After retiring from the NFL, Merriman has been involved in various ventures, including mixed martial arts, where he has expressed interest in competing, and professional wrestling, where he has made appearances with WWE. He has also worked as a sports analyst and launched his own line of sports apparel.

Legacy

Shawne Merriman's NFL career is remembered for both his explosive play on the field and the controversies off it. Despite the challenges, his impact during his peak years with the Chargers left a lasting impression on the league, making him one of the most memorable linebackers of his era.