Merriman to Host 14th Annual Coat Drive Saturday
11/9/2016 10:00:00 AM | Football, Share The Shell
COLLEGE PARK, Md. – For the 14th straight year, NFL All-Pro and former Maryland standout Shawne Merriman will hold his annual Coat Drive at a Terps football home game. This year's drive will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12 before Maryland hosts No. 6 Ohio State at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
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. Those that cannot attend the game, but still wish to donate, can bring their items to the XFINITY Center through Friday, November 11th at noon. If you plan to do so, please contact Big Ten Fellow, Malina Howard at: Mhoward5@umd.edu
Over the past 13 years, Merriman and his Lights On Foundation have collected over 25,000 coats and warm weather items to benefit numerous communities in the DMV, Philadelphia and New Jersey areas. 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.
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.
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