Shawne Merriman

Shawne Merriman

Merriman with the Chargers in 2009
No. 56
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Date of birth:	(1984-05-25) May 25, 1984 (age 32)
Place of birth:	Washington, D.C.
Height:	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:	261 lb (118 kg)
Career information
High school:	Upper Marlboro (MD) Douglass
College:	Maryland
NFL Draft:	2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12
Career history
San Diego Chargers (2005–2010) Buffalo Bills (2010–2012)
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl (2005–2007) 3× All-Pro (2005–2007) NFL sacks leader (2006) AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2005) PFWA Defensive Rookie of the Year (2005) Sporting News Rookie of the Year (2005) San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team
Career NFL statistics
Tackles: 257 Quarterback sacks: 45.5 Pass deflections: 16 Interceptions: 1 Forced fumbles: 8 Player stats at NFL.com

Shawne DeAndre Merriman (born May 25, 1984), nicknamed "Lights Out", is a former American football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) from 2005 to 2012. He was among the top linebackers in the NFL in his first three seasons with the San Diego Chargers, where he was a three-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Merriman is a recurring guest on the podcast Pardon My Take presented by Barstool Sports.

Merriman was drafted 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft. He earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in his first season and recorded  39 ¹⁄₂ quarterback sacks in his first three seasons. He was hampered by injuries his next three seasons, and the Chargers waived Merriman midseason in 2010. He was acquired through waivers by the Buffalo Bills that season, but he only played minimally with the Bills due to continued injuries. He was released by the Bills before the 2012 season before they re-signed him mid-season.

Merriman grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He earned his nickname "Lights Out" at Frederick Douglass High School, where he rendered four opposing players unconscious in one game, three in the first half and one in the second half.,

Merriman started three years on both the varsity football and basketball teams. On the hardwood, Merriman was named one of the top five basketball defenders in the D.C. area by The Washington Post. For his football performance during his senior year, he was selected to the first team all-state and named Maryland Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. He also played some tight end in high school.