Growing up in Prince George's County, Washington, DC, in the nineties was pretty rough.

The stats are pretty shocking. And that is where Shawne Merriman’s story starts.

An upbringing that bred aggression led Shawn to football after basketball wound up being too tame. (Foul out much?)

“My coaches asked me, “Hey, what position do you want to play?”

I said, “Coach, it doesn't matter. I just want to hit somebody.”

And they smiled from ear to ear.”

“I believe that talent stuff can get you to the top, but the hard work is what keeps you there.” -Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman

HawkeTalk co-host Erik Huberman chats with Shawne about…

• What gets a kid from Prince George's County to the NFL as a first-round draft pick
• Rookie of the year, a couple of pro bowls, and a stellar NFL career
• How he earned the nickname “Lights Out”

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