Shawne Merriman started off his 2005 rookie year on the inactive list as a result of nagging injuries during training camp and his 10 day hold out from training camp. He didn't break the starting lineup until week 7, but recorded 6 sacks in his first 4 starts. In 2005, his rookie season, Merriman was honored by being voted into the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. He was voted into the Pro Bowl as an OLB having played the pass-rushing OLB position for the San Diego Chargers in their 3-4 defensive scheme. This is the same position he played in college.

Merriman's best game of the year came in week 15 when the Chargers handed the Indianapolis Colts their first loss of the season. Merriman recorded 2 sacks and 2 tackles for a loss, one of which stopped Peyton Manning for a 6 yard loss on 4th and goal. It was during this game that Shawne Merriman garnered much national media coverage and in the following week made the Pro Bowl.

On January 4, 2006, Merriman was awarded with the The Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He received 28 1/2 votes of a panel of 50 NFL sportswriters and broadcasters. He beat the likes of Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu, who received 16 1/2 votes. Other players to receive votes were Cincinnati linebacker Odell Thurman, with 4, and Dallas linebacker Demarcus Ware, with one.

On February 12, 2006, Merriman participated in the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii. Although in a losing effort, Merriman made 3 tackles and forced one fumble. "I enjoyed myself the whole entire week," said Merriman. "I topped it off today by playing the entire game with all the guys I grew up watching. It's going to be my first of many if I just keep working hard."

In 2006, Merriman again began his season with success, recording 3 sacks and an interception in his first 2 games. Merriman went on to record 8 sacks and make ESPN's midseason all-pro team prior to dropping an appeal against a NFL enforced 4 week suspension.

--Wikipedia