Shawne Merriman

NFL Linebacker for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills

Shawne Merriman is a retired American football player who played as a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Born on May 25, 1984, in Washington, D.C., Merriman played college football at the University of Maryland, where he was a dominant pass rusher and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.

Merriman was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. In his rookie season, he recorded an impressive 10 sacks and was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He continued to establish himself as one of the league's top pass rushers, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors during his career.

Merriman's career was unfortunately cut short due to injuries, but he still managed to leave a lasting impact on the game. He retired in 2013 with 45.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 243 tackles in 75 games.

Off the field, Merriman has been involved in various business ventures and philanthropic efforts. He is the founder of Lights Out Brand, a lifestyle and fitness brand, and has also appeared on various television shows, including Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer.

Despite his retirement from football, Merriman remains a beloved figure in the NFL community and continues to make an impact both on and off the field. Follow his journey and learn more about his legacy as one of the game's most feared defenders.