COLLEGE PARK, Md. – NFL All-Pro and former Maryland standout Shawne Merriman will hold his annual Coat Drive on Saturday, Nov. 15, prior to the Terps game against Michigan State at Capital One Field at Byrd Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT.
Over the past 12 years, Merriman and his Lights On Foundation have collected over 22,000 coats and warm weather items to benefit numerous communities in the DMV area. Collection will begin 90 minutes prior to the start of the game at the South Gate entrance of the stadium and continue through the end of the first quarter.
Merriman has partnered with the Maryland athletics department and will be joined by Maryland student-athletes to collect gently-used coats, hats, scarves and other cold weather clothing.
“I started this coat drive in Maryland because I knew what it was like to grow up in the harsh winters without enough money to buy proper cold weather attire,” said Merriman. “I always told myself that when I was in a position to help others who are less fortunate and can't afford jackets or coats, then I would do everything I could to help. I started this event my sophomore year at the University of Maryland.”
Merriman enjoyed a distinguished career at the University of Maryland, where he was tabbed a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection after his junior season. He totaled 189 tackles, 22 sacks and 32.5 tackles for a loss in 39 career games with 17 starts. Originally selected in the first round (12th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers, Merriman was a three-time All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection with San Diego prior to joining the Buffalo Bills towards the end of the 2010 season. In his eight NFL seasons, Merriman notched 45.5 sacks in 75 career games (59 starts).
A native of Washington, D.C., Merriman was honored as the Associated Press Maryland Defensive Player of the Year as a senior out of Frederick Douglas High School in Upper Marlboro.
Merriman's Lights On Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth and to help the homeless. He donates time, money and other resources throughout the country by increasing opportunities for children to lead healthy and fulfilling lives through his foundation. By building corporate partnerships within the community, Merriman is able to provide financial assistance to projects focusing primarily on helping the homeless and children in need.
– Maryland –
