Former San Diego Chargers Linebacker Shawne Merriman Signs With WWE

By Matt Hoffman / Health Reporter

Published April 14, 2014 at 7:46 AM PDT

This story was published more than 10 years ago.

Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman never got a ring with the San Diego Chargers, but now he will step into one with World Wrestling Entertainment.

With his “Lights Out" nickname, the 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year always seemed to have a WWE wrestler attitude on the field. After a year out of the league in 2013, free agency turned up nothing for Merriman so the former Pro Bowler is donning the tights.

Merriman joins a long list of NFL players turned pro wrestlers including Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, Bill Goldberg and fellow-former San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Ernie Ladd.

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It is unclear what role Merriman will play in the WWE, but "Lights Out" would make a great finishing move.

Matt Hoffman

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Matt Hoffman served as a reporter and host for KPBS through 2023. He graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in communication. While attending SDSU, Matt was general manager of KCR College Radio. In 2016, while Matt was serving as GM, the station was named Best College Station in the Nation by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS). In 2017, he received the IBS Golden Microphone for Best Station Manager as well as awards for his hockey and baseball commentaries in 2014, 2015, and 2017. Prior to joining KPBS as a reporter, Matt spent time interning at Fox Sports San Diego, The Mighty 1090, 97 Rock, and 1270 TheFan.

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