Athletes - Shawne Merriman

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	Athletes - Shawne Merriman

Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman (born May 25, 1984 in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, USA) is an American football defensive end/linebacker for the San Diego Chargers of the NFL. He was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Maryland, College Park.

Merriman and his agents (the Poston Brothers) made headlines when he became the first player to miss the rookie orientation, due to being uncomfortable with the injury clause. He was worried about getting injured before getting a paid contract and potentially receiving a smaller amount. However, injuries have happened in training camp to other players and they have gotten the same contracts they would have otherwise gotten. Interestingly, Shawne Merriman fired his former agent the day after the draft and hired the Postons. It was speculated that this was a ploy to maintain his draft stock since the Postons are notoriously difficult to negotiate with.

2005 Season

Shawne Merriman started off his 2005 rookie year on the inactive list as a result of nagging injuries during training camp and his 10 day hold out from training camp. He didn't break the starting lineup until week 7, but recorded 6 sacks in his first 4 starts. In 2005, in his rookie season, Merriman was honored by being voted into the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. He was voted into the Pro Bowl as an OLB having played the DE/OLB for the San Diego Chargers in their 3-4 defensive scheme. This is the same position he played in college.

Merriman's best game of the year came in week 15 when the Chargers handed the Indianapolis Colts their first loss of the season. Merriman recorded 2 sacks and 2 tackles for a loss, one of which stopped Peyton Manning for a 6 yard loss on 4th and goal. It was during this game that Shawne Merriman garnered much national media coverage and in the following week made the Pro Bowl.

On January 4, 2006, Merriman was awarded with the The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He received 28 1/2 votes of a panel of 50 NFL sportswriters and broadcasters. He beat the likes of Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who received 16 1/2 votes. Other players to receive votes were Cincinnati linebacker Odell Thurman, with 4, and Dallas linebacker Demarcus Ware, with one.

On February 12, 2006, Merriman participated in the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. Although in a losing effort, Merriman made 3 tackles and forced one fumble. “I enjoyed myself the whole entire week,” said Merriman. “I topped it off today by playing the entire game with all the guys I grew up watching. It’s going to be my first of many if I just keep working hard.”

Personal

Merriman has a number of tattoos. His favorite is that of a light switch being turned off. This tattoo is on his forearm and the text "Lights Out" adorns it. This has been his nickname since the high school game where he knocked four of his opponents out. He is also responsible for giving Kansas City Chiefs' running back Priest Holmes a season-ending (and possibly career-ending) concussion in Week 8.

Shawne Merriman has been linked to the San Diego Chargers' other first rounder in 2005, Luis Castillo (28th overall). The San Diego media has contrasted their seemingly opposite personalities: Merriman a flambouyant player with a penchant for the spotlight and Castillo a low key personality who shuns the spotlight. Despite this, the two are reported to be good friends.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Shawne Merriman ]

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Athletes - Shawne Merriman

2005 Season

Personal

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