Former Charger Shawne Merriman turns the “lights out”

Former Charger Shawne Merriman celebrates after a sack. Mandatory Credit: www.footballsfuture.com

Back in 2005, the San Diego Chargers took a linebacker out of Maryland with the 12th overall pick. That man was Shawne Merriman. He made an immediate impact on the Chargers defense and became a staple within San Diego with his celebrations after getting a sack. After dragging the quarterback down, he would imitate violently turning off a light switch, essentially turning out the quarterback’s lights. It caught on quick.

Merriman earned Defensive Rookie of the Year Honors and was selected to play in the Pro bowl in his first season with the Chargers after recording 43 tackles, 10.0 sacks, and 2.0 forced fumbles in only 10 starts. He spent six total years with the Chargers, succumbing to major injuries in 2008 and 2010, when he was released. He made the Pro Bowl 3 times during his career.

“Lights out” recorded 177 career tackles during his time with the Chargers, including 43.5 sacks. He recorded double-digit sacks in each of his first three seasons, racking up 39.5 sacks during those years.

Merriman shared a love-hate relationship with the Chargers and their fans for most of his career there. In 2006, he tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for four games. His suspension eventually led to a rule being passed that banned players who tested positive for banned substances from being able to go to the Pro Bowl or winning an award. Later in 2009, Merriman was involved in an off-the-field legal issue with former girlfriend and reality show star Tila Tequila.

His “lights out” dance became well known around the field during his career and when the New England Patriots defeated the Chargers in the playoffs, they began to mimic the dance throughout the playoffs. This drew negative attention from future Hall of Famer LaDanian Tomlinson, who said the dance was disrespectful.

Merriman’s career has since tapered off in Buffalo. After becoming a free agent this past off-season, Merriman ha said today on his official website that he has decided to hang up the #56 and call it quits.

Whether you were a fan or not, when a player who excited just as many Charger fans as anyone decides to retire before his 29th birthday, it’s a sad day. From all of us here at SD Bandwagon, thanks for the memories.