NFL All-Pro Shawne Merriman Launches Podcast For Fox Sports Radio & iHeart.

Three-time All-Pro linebacker and Lights Out Xtreme Fighting Founder Shawne Merriman is the host of the latest Fox Sports Radio-iHeartRadio original podcast. Lights Out will feature Merriman as he takes on the biggest stories in sports, with a focus on the NFL, MMA and NASCAR. Merriman will also welcome celebrity guests and friends from the worlds of sports and entertainment. The first episode includes a conversation with two-time NFL Pro Bowler Quentin Jammer about athletes and depression, and how he nearly committed suicide.

“Shawne’s passion that was seen on the football field will be matched by his performance within this podcast,” said Scott Shapiro, Fox Sports Radio Vice President of Sports Programming. “We are excited to share his unique personality and strong opinions across his wide range of sports interests,” he said in the announcement.

After playing collegiate football in his home state at the University of Maryland, Merriman was the San Diego Chargers’ 12th overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. Nicknamed “Lights Out,” he immediately made an impact in the NFL, being named the 2005 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the NFL sacks leader in 2006. Merriman was also a three-time All-Pro and made three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Currently, he is the founder of Lights Out Xtreme Fighting (LXF), which produces MMA events focused on developing the next great stars of the sport. 

“I’m excited to be able to use my platform to discuss various topics and my personal views on a multitude of sports,” said Merriman in a statement. “I’ve been blessed to have deep-rooted experience in several different avenues, including the NFL, MMA, NASCAR and more.” The Lights Out podcast launches today (Sept. 18).

The Fox Sports Radio Network is a partnership of Fox Sports and iHeart’s Premiere Networks.