“Can’t Take a Slap Like That”: NFL Player Turned MMA Fighter Shawne Merriman Responds Boldly to Legends Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman

NFL is full of terrific players with tremendous talents. There are many players who go on to build a successful sporting career in the football arena. However, one of the NFL’s most bizarre and dramatic stories came out this year after a player left the NFL for another sport.

The linebacker in question initially played for the San Diego Chargers and later on for the Buffalo Bills. It was then that the 272-strong boy standing at 1.94 m decided to switch sports! He already had a massive frame with a commanding shoulder width that gave the impression he was always wearing shoulder pads. He realized that his abilities could very well be suited for another fighting sport. Now as the ex-NFL player completes a decade in his new arena, he revealed a glaring insight regarding a new facet of his preferred sport.

Shawne Merriman humbly downplays squaring off 

Appearing on the NFL Players Second Acts talk show, the guests discussed another facet of Shawne Merriman’s changed sport- MMA. During the conversation, one of the hosts expanded upon the slapping and its introduction in the MMA arena. “You look like you could take just one hard slap. Right Yeah. It wouldn’t just faz you, bro.” The Lights Out Xtreme Fighting promoter didn’t back down with his answer. He replied- “Yeah now with my hands behind my back (chuckles). If I get slapped, I want to return something. Like I can’t take a slap like that.”

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The former 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year awardee sat down with Roman Harper and Peanut Tillman for an endearing conversation. It was a laughter-filled questionnaire as the former NFL stalwart touched on different things. The slap part came about when Harper and Tillman were in awe of Jersey No. 56 neck size. He calls his neck size huge and also points out that he hasn’t lost any weight. The hosts were quick to see the massive size and remarked “If you could see the man’s neck, My God!”. It further highlighted that the linebacker was always meant to be an MMA and find his calling as an event promoter.

Shawne Merriman’s ultimate goal

The otherwise joking and funny Merriman carries a picture of seriousness and passion when discussing MMA. One of the reasons why the retired NFL star set up his own MMA promotion company- Lights Out Xtreme Fighting was to give future prospects and a space for credible retired athletes. With Rob Gronkowski showing his interest in the MMA field, Shawne’s prospect could yield optimal results.

The 11th installment of the MMA event would see the 2006 NFL sacks leader taking up the promoter role. With his Lights Out Xtreme Fighting initiative, he wishes to provide a place for players from NFL, basketball, and other sports to make a name in the MMA! Keeping positive with the transition, he’s inspiring a new generation of strong athletes.

Sometimes a new vision and backing are required to make significant changes. Shawne Merriman is a prime example of how one can transition between sports and continue their hunger for success!

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