Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman, once one of the NFL's most feared defensive players, was rushed to a hospital Sunday night after experiencing a "medical emergency" in a Hollywood nightclub, according to The Los Angeles Times."
Merriman is believed to have overdosed on an unknown combination of alcohol and drugs, but is believed to be fine after his scare. Merriman has been actively tweeting and was seen out and about after the incident occurred, so he appears to be out of the woods.
Merriman retired this offseason after nine NFL seasons in which his productivity fluctuated from the Pro Bowl caliber to non-factor.
Merriman was taken 12th overall in the 2005 draft by the San Diego Chargers, and he rewarded them by making his first of three Pro Bowls, while winning the 2005 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Merriman racked up 10 sacks in 15 games as a first-year pro.
His second year marked Merriman's true breakout, as he recorded an NFL-high 17 sacks in just 12 games. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three NFL seasons before injuries robbed him of his explosiveness and power.
He missed all but one game of 2008, and returned in 2009 to have a mediocre season with just four sacks. From 2008 until the end of his career in 2012, the linebacker made just six sacks before retiring.
Merriman had a message to his fans on his website upon announcing he was leaving the game of football.
"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."
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