TheFamousPeople

Shawne Merriman Biography

(Former American Football Player)

Birthday: May 25, 1984 (Gemini)

Born In: Washington, D.C., United States

Advanced Search
Shawne DeAndre Merriman is a former American football linebacker. Retired since 2013 due to persistent injuries, he is now involved with various activities, serving as the CEO of his own apparel company, ‘Lights Out’. Raised in a single parent family, he had a very hard childhood, very often having to do without adequate food and permanent shelter. Ultimately, it was his school football coach, who helped him to release the accumulated anger through sports, acquiring the nickname ‘Lights Out’ at the age of sixteen for rendering four opposing players unconscious in a single match. Later, he joined University of Maryland, College Park, where he played for Maryland Terrapins. At the age of 21, he was drafted in the first round by the San Diego Chargers, for whom he appeared in 60 matches over a period of six years. Thereafter, he moved to Buffalo Bills, where he remained for two years, before retiring prematurely due to repeated injuries.

Birthday: May 25, 1984 (Gemini)

Born In: Washington, D.C., United States

2
American Football Players #931
Sportspersons #5843
American Football Players #931
Sportspersons #5843
2

Recommended For You

Patrick Mahomes II Biography Patrick Mahomes II
Russell Wilson Biography Russell Wilson
Baker Mayfield Biography Baker Mayfield
Cam Newton Biography Cam Newton
DID WE MISS SOMEONE?
CLICK HERE AND TELL US
WE'LL MAKE SURE
THEY'RE HERE A.S.A.P
Quick Facts

Also Known As: Shawne DeAndre Merriman, Lights Out

Age: 40 Years, 40 Year Old Males

Family:

mother: Gloria Williams

Born Country: United States

American Football Players American Men

Height: 6'4" (193 cm), 6'4" Males

City: Washington D.C.

More Facts

education: University Of Maryland

Recommended For You

Patrick Mahomes II Biography Patrick Mahomes II
Russell Wilson Biography Russell Wilson
Baker Mayfield Biography Baker Mayfield
Cam Newton Biography Cam Newton

You wanted to know

  • 1

    What position did Shawne Merriman play in the NFL?

    Shawne Merriman played as a linebacker in the NFL.
  • 2

    Which teams did Shawne Merriman play for during his NFL career?

    Shawne Merriman played for the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills during his NFL career.
  • 3

    Did Shawne Merriman face any suspensions during his NFL career?

    Yes, Shawne Merriman was suspended for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances in 2006.
  • 4

    Was Shawne Merriman known for his aggressive playing style?

    Yes, Shawne Merriman was known for his aggressive playing style and was nicknamed "Lights Out" for his hard hits on the field.
  • 5

    Did Shawne Merriman retire from the NFL due to injuries?

    Yes, Shawne Merriman retired from the NFL in 2013 due to recurring injuries that impacted his performance on the field.

Recommended Lists:

American People
Tall Celebrities
Tall Male Celebrities
Male Sportspersons
American Sportspersons
Childhood & Early Life
Shawne DeAndre Merriman was born on May 25, 1984 in Washington, D.C. Nothing is known about his father except that he was hardly in the picture. As a result, Shawne was primarily raised by his mother, Gloria Williams, in a single parent home.
Born elder of his parents’ two children, he has a younger sister named Sada, two years junior to him. From his mother’s later marriage, he has a half-sister named Jaelund.
Initially living in Capitol Heights, Maryland, the children had a very difficult childhood. Although his mother did her best, adequate food was not always available. The surrounding area was also not good, with drugs being rampant on the street and so they were not allowed to go out.
In 1993, their apartment building was burned down by a teenager who threw Molotov cocktail through a window in order to warn a resident who had witnessed a murder. The incident not only left them homeless, but also deprived them of their belongings. Later, they moved to Upper Marlboro.
In Upper Marlboro, he entered Frederick Douglass High School. Unlike other kids in school, he never had any spending money or good dresses. Life at home continued to be unstable and although he did not talk about it his football coaches knew and paid special attention to him.
When he was in junior school the family lost their home once more; this time to an accidental fire; leaving him traumatized. During this time, his football coach, Mr. J. C. Pinkney, stood by him, providing him not only shelter for eight months, but also the much-needed adult attention.
His coaches also helped him to focus on sports, especially football and basketball, as a way of getting out of his trauma. Very soon, he had a purpose, which helped him to mature. It is possible that he had his first job during this period.
Continue Reading Below
Recommended Lists:
American Football
Football Career in School & College
By the time Merriman reached his high school, his talent in football became noticeable. He was so focused in his game that in one match in his sophomore season he rendered four opposing players unconscious. Possibly because of this incident, he was soon nicknamed ‘Lights Out’.
In his senior year, he was selected to the first team all-state and named Maryland Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press. Very soon, he began to be named by various recruiting magazines.
In 2002, after graduating from school, he received offers from various institutions. However, he chose to enter University of Maryland, College Park, intending to play for Maryland Terrapins football team. He studied there till 2005.
During his freshman year in 2002, he appeared in 13 matches, finishing third on the team with 5 sacks. By his sophomore year, he began to be considered the most dynamic defensive player of his team, never missing a match in spite of repeated injuries.
In his junior year, he broke on to the national scene and was named for the ACC All-Conference team. Also, in the same year, he earned Iron Terp award for the "strongest pound for pound player".
NLF Career
In 2005, Shawne Merriman was drafted in the first round (overall no 12) by the San Diego Chargers. Eventually on August 1, he signed a 5-year, $11.5 million contract.
In 2005 season, he appeared in 15 matches, recording a total number of ten sacks. In a game against Indianapolis Colts, he recorded 2 sacks and 2 tackles, garnering much national media attention. Soon after this, he was voted into the Pro Bowl as an Outside Linebacker (OLB).
In October 2006, he was suspended for four matches for breaking NFL’s steroid policy; he tested positive for 19 out of 20 in performance-enhancing drug tests. Later, he rejoined his team, appearing in a total of 12 matches, in which he made 17 sacks and 63 tackles, 49 solo and 14 assisted.
In the 2007 season, he appeared in 15 games, in which he performed 12.5 sacks in addition to making 54 solo and 14 assisted tackles. Also in the same year, he was voted to the Pro bowl for the third consecutive year.
Continue Reading Below
In 2008 season, he appeared in only one match because of his knee injury, making two tackles, one solo and one assisted, in the game. Even after a surgery it continued to trouble him throughout the 2009 season and this with a painful foot injury limited his playing capacity.
Injuries continued to trail him even in the 2010 season, as a result of which he could appear in only three matches that season, making six tackles and zero sacks. Eventually on November 2, 2010, he was put on waivers by the SDC.
On November 3, 2010, he was claimed off by Buffalo Bills.; but there too injury continued to bother him. On November 10, during the first workout with his new teammates, he suffered Achilles injury and was placed on injury reserve on November 27.
On January 1, 2011, he signed a two-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills. However, he could appear only in fifteen matches in 2011 and 2012 seasons due to persistent injuries, recording 2 sacks and 19 solo tackles during this period. He finally announced his retirement on March 5, 2013.
Other Ventures
Shawne Merriman is now the CEO of “Lights Out’’, his own apparel company, which he claims to be "a one stop shop for professional grade equipment and fitness supplies". He had bought the name back in 2007, but actually started working full time post retirement.
In April 2019, he teamed with Steven Bash and George Bastrmajyan to form Lights Out Xtreme Fighting. It held its first event on May 11, 2019.
Awards & Achievements
On January 4, 2006, Shawne Merriman was awarded with The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Family & Personal Life
Shawne Merriman has dated various models and realty TV stars, one of the being Tila Tequila. On September 6, 2009, he allegedly chocked and restrained her from leaving his apartment. However, charges were very soon dismissed.
Merriman is also known for his philanthropy. In 2003, he founded Lights Out Foundation, a charitable organization, which provides coats to people without adequate winter clothing. He also works with the homeless and regularly donates to other charitable organization.
Facts About Shawne Merriman
Shawne Merriman earned the nickname "Lights Out" for his ability to knock opponents out with his powerful hits on the football field.
In addition to his football career, Merriman has also pursued opportunities in acting and modeling, showcasing his versatility off the field.
Merriman is known for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with various charities and organizations to give back to the community.
Despite facing setbacks and injuries during his playing career, Merriman remained resilient and dedicated to his craft, inspiring others with his perseverance.
Merriman has a strong social media presence, engaging with fans and sharing insights into his life beyond football, demonstrating his commitment to connecting with his audience.

See the events in life of Shawne Merriman in Chronological Order

How To Cite

Article Title
- Shawne Merriman Biography
Author
- Editors, TheFamousPeople.com
Website
- TheFamousPeople.com
URL
- https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/shawne-merriman-50308.php

People Also Viewed

Patrick Mahomes II Biography
Patrick Mahomes II
(American)
 
Russell Wilson Biography
Russell Wilson
(American)
 
Baker Mayfield Biography
Baker Mayfield
(American)
 
Cam Newton Biography
Cam Newton
(American)
 
Joe Flacco Biography
Joe Flacco
(American)
 
Lamar Jackson Biography
Lamar Jackson
(American)
 
Odell Beckham Jr. Biography
Odell Beckham Jr.
(American)
 
Tim Tebow Biography
Tim Tebow
(American)
 

Also Listed In

20th Century | 21st Century | Celebrity Names With Letter S | 20th Century Sportspersons | 21st Century Sportspersons | 20th Century American Football Players