COLLEGE PARK, MD. -- Maryland Legends and former NFL players Shawne Merriman and AJ Francis are hosting their annual canned food and coat drives, respectively, at the Maryland vs. Michigan football game on November 22. 

Merriman's 23rd annual Lights On Foundation Coat Drive invites Maryland fans and community members to donate new or gently used coats, hats, scarves, and other cold weather gear to support local families in need.

The 9th annual A.J. Francis Canned Food Drive encourages all attendees of the game to bring non-perishable items to the game. The recipients of the goods will be those associated with Sarah's House in Fort Meade, Maryland, which is just a short drive from Francis' hometown of Severn.

Volunteers will be on hand to collect canned food and new or gently used coats and other cold weather items at donation bins conveniently located around SECU Stadium. 

Merriman played for the Terps from 2002-04, culminating with an all-conference team nod. He was taken with the 12th pick in the 2005 NFL draft and burst onto the pro scene as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He played eight seasons and went on to earn three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro selections, including First-Team All-Pro in 2006 after leading the league in sacks. 

"I'm grateful to continue the tradition of the Lights On Foundation Coat Drive partnering with Maryland Football," said Merriman. "This is what college football is all about – bringing community together in support of common goals and passions and using a platform to better the lives of others." 

Francis, who played four seasons at Maryland from 2009-12, also carved out a career in the NFL before going on to become a WWE entertainer.  Francis was an anchor of the Maryland defensive line from 2009-12, playing in 49 games and compiling 149 tackles and 9.5 sacks. He would go on to play in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Redskins and the New York Giants before becoming a WWE entertainer. 

"This is the highlight of my year every year," said Francis. "Seeing the university I went to, the people I played in front of, the community that helped raise me, all come together in support of a cause I care deeply about and one that helps so many people in this area. It's a beautiful thing."

More about the Lights On Foundation:
Merriman's Lights On Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for youth and to help the homeless. Founded while still a student at UM, Merriman and the Lights On Foundation donated more than 40,000 coats in the past 20-plus years. Merriman 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.