The San Diego Chargers selected Merriman with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the draft. His rookie season was nothing short of impressive, as he quickly established himself as a defensive powerhouse. Merriman's ability to rush the passer and disrupt opposing offenses earned him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2005. That season, he recorded 57 tackles and 10 sacks, showcasing his potential as a dominant force on the field.
Merriman's second season in the NFL saw him continue to excel. In 2006, he led the league with 17 sacks, despite missing four games due to a suspension for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. His performance earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl and a place on the All-Pro team. The Chargers, with Merriman's help, finished the regular season with a 14-2 record, although they fell short in the playoffs.
In 2007, Merriman maintained his high level of play, recording 68 tackles and 12.5 sacks. He was again selected for the Pro Bowl and named to the All-Pro team. However, injuries began to take a toll on his career. In 2008, Merriman suffered a significant knee injury, which limited him to just one game that season. He underwent surgery to repair two torn ligaments in his knee, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year.
The following seasons were challenging for Merriman as he struggled to regain his previous form. In 2009, he returned to the field but was not as effective as before, recording only four sacks. His time with the Chargers came to an end in 2010 when he was placed on injured reserve and subsequently waived by the team.
Merriman's career continued with the Buffalo Bills, who claimed him off waivers in November 2010. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague him, and he played only a limited number of games for the Bills over the next two seasons. In 2011, he appeared in just five games before being placed on injured reserve again. The 2012 season saw Merriman attempt a comeback, but he was released by the Bills in August. He briefly re-signed with the team in October, playing in a few more games before retiring from professional football in March 2013.
Throughout his career, Merriman was known for his aggressive playing style and ability to pressure quarterbacks. Despite the challenges he faced with injuries, his early years in the NFL left a lasting impression on fans and opponents alike.
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