Five years ago, Shawne Merriman burst onto the NFL scene as a rookie by racking up 10 sacks, 57 tackles and two forced fumbles. Over the next two seasons, he went on to register 29.5 more quarterback takedowns and emerged as the face of a fast, aggressive Chargers’ defense that was gaining attention throughout the league.

But during training camp in 2008, Merriman had trouble practicing on his injured knee. Initial reports stated that recovery would only take a few weeks, but soon rumors would circulate that his career could be finished. After discovering that he had a tear in his posterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament, he underwent massive reconstructive surgery and wound up sitting out virtually the entire ’08 season. After using the first six games to get his timing and rhythm back, Shawne produced back-to-back double-digit sack games in 2009 and although a plantar fasciitis injury limited him down the stretch, opponents still had to be aware of where he was at all times.

Shawne recently took time out of his busy offseason to chat with us about a variety of topics, ranging from his future with the Chargers (he’s currently a restricted free agent), who he modeled his game after growing up and what the Bolts have to do in order to reach the Super Bowl. He also filled us in on how he got the nickname “Lights Out” and what the hardest hit he ever laid on a ballcarrier was.

After reading the interview, make sure to check out Shawne’s Twitter page as well as his website, LightsOutEnergy.com.

The Scores Report: Hey Shawne, how are you?

Shawne Merriman: Anthony, what’s up man – what’s going on?

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