For the first three years of his career, Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman lived up to his nickname. He was the consensus Rookie of the Year and was a Pro Bowl selection in three times. Merriman (known mostly for his “Lights Out” dance after performing a Quarterback Sack, which he did often early in his career. He would lead the NFL in Sacks in 2006, but by 2009 injuries piled up and he was never again considered a top player.



The Bullet Points:
Country of Origin:
Washington D.C., U.S.A.

Eligible In
2018

Position:
Linebacker

Played for:
San Diego Chargers
Buffalo Bills

College:
Maryland

Drafted:
1st Round, 12th Overall in 2005

Major Accolades and Awards:
Pro Bowl Selections (3) (2005, 2006 & 2007)
First Team All Pro Selection (1) (2006)
Second Team All Pro Selection (2) (2005 & 2007)
Defensive Rookie of the Year (2005)
Super Bowl Rings (None)

Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Finishes: (2) (2003)

Notable All Time Rankings:
None

Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame:
None

Under the shadow of LaDanian Tomlinson, Michael Turner was not given a chance to shine in San Diego, but once he got the starters job in Atlanta, he emerged for a brief time as one of the top Running Backs in the National Football League. Turner would take a First Team All Pro honor in 2008 and a Second Team selection in 2010 and would retire with over 7,000 Yards Rushing and 67 Touchdowns.



The Bullet Points:
Country of Origin:
Waukegan, Illinois, U.S.A.

Eligible In
2018

Position:
Running Back

Played for:
San Diego Chargers
Atlanta Falcons

College:
Northern Illinois

Drafted:
5th Round, 154th Overall in 2004

Major Accolades and Awards:
Pro Bowl Selections (2) (2008 & 2010)
First Team All Pro Selection (1) (2008)
Second Team All Pro Selection (1) (2010)
Super Bowl Rings (None)

Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards (3) (2008, 2010 & 2011)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Touchdowns (5) (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards/Game (4) (2008, 2009, 2010 & 2011)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (3) (2008, 2010 & 2011)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (2) (2008 & 2011)
Top Ten Finishes: All Purpose Yards (1) (2008)

Notable All Time Rankings:
34.   Rushing Touchdowns: 66
54.   Rushing Yards: 7,388
100. Rushing Yards/Game: 54.8

Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame:
None

One of the most respected men in Professional Football, the excellent-blocking and very cerebral Matt Birk would not just earn six Pro Bowl selections, he would also win the Ed Block Courage Award in 2006 and the prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2011. The year after receiving that award at the Super Bowl, he won the brass ring in his final season with the Baltimore Ravens thus going out as a champion.

One of the most prolific tacklers in the history of the Atlanta Falcons, Keith Brooking, was drafted from Georgia Tech 12^th overall in 1998.  While he was not an immediate starter, he found a home in Atlanta’s Nickel Defense and was a part of their run to Super Bowl XXXIII.