Shawne Merriman

Buffalo Bills LB Shawne Merriman has had a pretty rough injury history. In 2007, Merriman tore his PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and his LCL (lateral collateral ligament). Since at least 2008 he’s had on and off painful knee trouble. He’s also suffered a foot injury and last year he had a procedure done on his achilles that ended his season. Every one of these ailments is career-threatening and some people have already given up on Merriman being productive in the league.

I was surprised that the Bills picked him up with the expectation he could and would start, but I’m glad he got another chance. This season will be critical for Merriman because a second season ending injury would likely put his career out of commission. Still, Merriman seems determined and optimistic. He recently released a video where he talks about his come back from injury and his hopes for the new season. He says he feels the best he has in three years.

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I was surprised that this article wasn’t passed around more. I live for lists, so I couldn’t wait to crack open Bleacher Report’s 25 dirtiest player list. Apparently Sports Illustrated has such a list as well, but its based solely on voting? Correct me if I’m wrong.

The bulk of the list was no surprise, but there were a few that made me raise my eyebrow and one glaring omission that bothered me.

The first thing you’ll notice about the list is that there are multiple Pittsburgh Steelers on it. No wonder no one wants to play these guys. Polamalu, Harrison, Ryan Clark (??????), and Hines Ward made the list.

Brian Dawkins being on the list (admittedly low on it) was a tad surprising. I think he, like Roy Williams, have calmed down a lot. I think the last time Williams was called for a horse collar tackle or even grabbing someone by the hair was 2008. Maybe 2 years isn’t long enough to get a clean slate.

Also is Shawne Merriman, who also made the list, still considered dirty? He’s barely on the field enough to cause any trouble. There needs to be a statute of limitations on how long you can ride players about certain behaviors.

Darnell Dockett is also on the list along with Joey Porter and I don’t know if I agree. What do yall think? I think Dockett and Porter made the list because they’re annoying. I’d love to interview them both for this blog, but I can’t deny they can work a nerve. But annoying doesn’t mean dirty, if it did, every man in the NFL would be on here. hahahaa ha ha…anyhoo….Let’s not confuse “dirty” with “problem child.”

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