Shawne Merriman, a three-time Pro Bowl linebacker who made many headlines during his career, announced on his website Tuesday that he is retiring at the age of 28.
He indicated in his statement that he wants to leave the game with his body intact. "I retire today not because I don't feel I can go out there and still play the game at a very high level, I am retiring because I want to retire on my own terms and leave while I know I can still physically play the game. I am stepping back to pursue other great opportunities that have been afforded me."
Merriman, nicknamed "Lights Out," was famous for laying brutal hits on anyone who crossed his path and doing his patented "Lights Out" sack dance over many a fallen quarterback. Merriman was drafted 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 draft, and his career began with a bang. He started 10 games in his first year, recording 10 sacks and bringing home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Merriman's sophomore campaign was the best of his career. He played in 12 games and had 17 sacks, 49 tackles, eight pass defenses and four forced fumbles. The following season Merriman played in 15 games and had 12.5 sacks.
Merriman played just one game in 2008 after tearing ligaments in his knee. He played his final full year as a Charger in 2009, but was not the same guy, only recording four sacks. After 2009, Merriman never played in more than 10 games again. He spent three years with the Buffalo Bills where he only had two sacks.
In 2009, Merriman also was involved in a legal spat with then-girlfriend and celebrity Tila Tequila. The reality star claimed Merriman choked her and refused to let her leave his home. Later that year he filed a civil suit against her for improperly using his Lights Out logo and disrupting negotiations for T-shirts to be made and sold by Wal-Mart. Both cases were eventually dismissed.
Merriman closed his statement by saying, "I want to thank all my fans around the country. I want to thank the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills for their support during my time at each club. I feel truly blessed to have been part of the NFL and to have had the opportunity of a lifetime. I am excited to pursue my other career opportunities and look forward to what is on the horizon for me. I will continue to train with some of the guys not because of football but it's a part of my Lifestyle."
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