Shawne Merriman: Ten Yards With the Chargers Linebacker

(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Since the San Diego Chargers selected him in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft, Shawne Merriman has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Merriman averaged 13 sacks in each of his first three seasons, but a pair of torn knee ligaments forced surgery that caused Merriman to miss all but one game of 2008. The return of Merriman to full health is crucial to the success of the Chargers’ defense in 2009.

Bleacher Report caught up with Merriman to ask him about the knee, boxing, basketball, and the 2009 season.

Bleacher Report: We will start with the question that everyone in San Diego wants to know: How is the knee?

Shawne Merriman:

BR: How did it hold up during the first round of organized team activities?

SM:

BR: What was the rehab process like?

SM:

BR: Is there anything that you are still unable to do on the field?

SM:

BR: When was the last time you stepped in the boxing ring?

SM:

BR: How difficult was it to watch from the sidelines last season?

SM:

BR: How is the defense different under Ron Rivera?

SM:

BR: How big of an impact do you feel you have on the defense?

SM:

BR: What are your personal goals for the 2009 season?

SM:

BR: What do you expect for the San Diego Chargers in 2009?

SM:

BR: Have you been watching the NBA playoffs? Who do you like in the finals?

SM:

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