While Shawne Merriman is best remembered for his “lights out” defensive play on the gridiron, the former NFL All-Pro linebacker has made a big impact away from the field in his business venture, an upstart MMA organization named after his nickname called Lights Out Xtreme. fight.
Merriman, who retired from the NFL in March 2013, joined other business ventures that included WWE and NASCAR before later launching the Light Out brand in ’19.
But Merriman quickly learned that navigating the business world is far different from executing a defensive gameplan. In an interview on The Bag Podcast with Rashad Jennings and Lindsay McCormick, the three-time Pro Bowler opened up about the parallels and “huge differences” between the NFL’s daily grind of running his own business.
“Everybody wants to be a coach until there are 10 to 12 hour days,” Merriman said. “… Sometimes now, you don’t see what goes on behind the scenes, the time and effort. Being a decision maker puts more pressure.
“If you work somewhere and it’s not in you, it’s like OK. I mess up, I go to the next thing. Here [Merriman’s business], messing up can mean partnerships … having something that doesn’t fit the show. There are a lot of targets for this ship, which I like.”
As Merriman continues to navigate his post-football career in the business sector, the former Chargers and Bills linebacker said he seriously began to think about his life after football when he underwent reconstructive knee surgery to repair torn ligaments in his knee in 2008. At that moment. , his desire to continue learning and growing went to a new level.
“My mind changed,” Merriman said. “I began to learn about branding, marketing … As an athlete, we all walk around as if nothing could happen to us. … I realized I’m not made of steel.
“I try to tell a lot of people, especially those who are at the end of their careers, whatever you want to do, start honing it now.”
While Merriman was involved with media opportunities and other businesses prior to LXF, he said there are still days where he questions what his daily routine is like in life. “I’ve had a few items of clothing that I’ve done and there are still days where I’m like, ‘damn, is this true?’ It is not the same.
Part of Merriman building his brand allowed him to forge a relationship with UFC president Dana White. Merriman shared that he has been able to pick up White’s brain about UFC as a sport as well as MMA.
While LXF has not been introduced to fight since December, Merriman’s goal is to give guys more “opportunities to fight and build a better life for themselves” as well as get White to see the value in his brand.
“I want him and the UFC to acknowledge the talent we have and attract some people,” Merriman said. “If the UFC wants to build its brand to get more eyes and make more money, I’ll do it. There’s no competition. There’s always mutual respect and more pride in what he’s built.
“I just came to it from a completely different angle than the platform that I have had with the NFL and can build it with this.”
What did Shawne Merriman do?
Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman has been notified he will be suspended for four games for violating the NFL’s steroid and related substance policy, league and team sources told ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
When does Shawne Merriman retire? On the same subject : CBS Sports names Ravens as top landing spot for ILB stars.
What is Shawne Merriman doing?
Shawne âLights Out” Merriman was once the NFL’s most respected pass-rusher who is now, as the founder of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, producing a series of MMA fights that he saysâwith the help of FuboTVâwill come across as a tech company. ”
Where was Shawne Merriman raised?
Merriman grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He earned the nickname “Lights Out” at Frederick Douglass High School, where he knocked four opposing players unconscious in one game, three in the first half and one in the second half. To see also : ‘I Can’t Retire – I Need Health Insurance’. Merriman started three years on the varsity football and basketball teams.
Why did Shawn Merriman retire?
Former San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman announced he will retire after eight NFL seasons, according to a statement released on his official website. See the article : ‘Friday Night Lights’ leaves Netflix in August 2022. Just 28 years old, Merriman said wanting to retire on “his own terms” was a big reason for moving away.
What team did Shawne Merriman play for?
Once feared as much as any pass rusher in the NFL, Shawne Merriman, who played for the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills, has decided to turn off the lights on his football career.
Is Shawn Merriman retiring? Former San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman announced he will retire after eight NFL seasons, according to a statement released on his official website. Just 28 years old, Merriman said wanting to retire on “his own terms” was a big reason for moving away.
What is Shawne Merriman doing now?
Shawne âLights Out” Merriman was once the NFL’s most respected pass-rusher who is now, as the founder of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, producing a series of MMA fights that he saysâwith the help of FuboTVâwill come across as a tech company.
Who did Sean Merriman play for?
Shawne Merriman (born May 25, 1984 in Washington, D.C.) is an American football outside linebacker/defensive end in the NFL. He played for the San Diego Chargers and the Buffalo Bills.
How long does Shawne Merriman play in the NFL?
What is Shawn Merriman doing now?
Shawne âLights Out” Merriman was once the NFL’s most respected pass-rusher who is now, as the founder of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, producing a series of MMA fights that he saysâwith the help of FuboTVâwill come across as a tech company. ”
