Linebacker retires after eight year season with San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills.
It was announced late Tuesday that former All-pro linebacker Shawne Merriman would retire from the game, after a short but successful career in the NFL.
The announcement came via his official website Shawnemerriman.com, on which he explained his reasons behind the decision.
“I retire today not because I don’t feel I can go out there and still play the game at a very high level,” wrote Merriman.
“I am retiring because I want to retire on my own terms and leave while I know I can still physically play the game.”
In truth, ‘Lights Out’ was never the same after he had surgery to repair a ruined left knee back in 2008, and has slowly been on the decline ever since. After having a superb first three seasons in the league, racking up 39.5 sacks and three Pro-Bowl selections, there was a bright future ahead.
The injury though really slowed down the 28 year-old, who relied on speed as big part of his game.
Once again, it is another reminder that in a league like the NFL, all it takes is for one wrong step or poorly timed tackle and a career and future can be ruined in just a few seconds.
It is the reason why players try and squeeze every single cent out of those contracts and guaranteed money deals, because they know that it can be all gone in an instant.
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