Shawne Merriman
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Career Summary
Shawne Merriman was an NFL pass rusher best known for his early-career success with the Chargers.
Merriman played 75 regular-season NFL games for the Chargers and Bills, recording 224 tackles, 45.5 sacks, 17 passes defensed, one interception and eight forced fumbles.
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Early Life
Merriman grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland.
He attended Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro and stayed in-state to play college football at Maryland.
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High School
Merriman was a highly productive linebacker and tight end at Frederick Douglass High School.
He finished as the school's career tackles leader with 443 and added eight interceptions. As a senior, he had 158 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions and two blocked punts, while also producing 428 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
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College Career
Merriman became an All-ACC defensive end at Maryland before entering the NFL draft after his junior season.
Merriman earned first-team All-ACC recognition in 2004, led Maryland in sacks and tackles for loss, and left the program ranked second in career sacks with 23.
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Path to the NFL
The Chargers selected Merriman 12th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft.
San Diego drafted the Maryland pass rusher in the first round, and he immediately became the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
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NFL Career
Merriman produced three straight double-digit sack seasons to begin his Chargers career.
Merriman recorded 10 sacks as a rookie in 2005, 17 in 2006 and 12.5 in 2007. He later played three games for the Chargers in 2010 and 15 games for Buffalo across 2011 and 2012.
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Career Accomplishments
Merriman earned Defensive Rookie of the Year, three Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro recognition.
The Chargers state that Merriman made the Pro Bowl as a 10-sack rookie and was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2006 he tied the franchise single-season sack record with 17 and earned first-team All-Pro recognition.
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Playing Style
Merriman was an explosive outside pass rusher whose early production made him one of the Chargers' leading defenders.
His first three seasons produced 39.5 sacks, and the Chargers identify him as one of the NFL's top linebackers during that stretch. His 2006 total of 17 sacks matched the Chargers' single-season franchise record.
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Legacy
Merriman's dominant start placed him on the Chargers' 50th Anniversary Team.
The Chargers included Merriman on their 50th Anniversary Team and continue to recognize his rookie-season impact and pass-rushing production.
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Post-Career
Merriman has remained connected to football through media and Chargers community work.
The Chargers have listed Merriman as a commentator on KABC's Chargers pregame show, ESPN and Fox Sports. He also returned to Chargers training camp to work with edge rushers as a guest coach.
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20819, 00-0023446, 1984-05-25, Shawne Merriman, Shawne, Merriman
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