At 40, Shawne Merriman still has no wife and keeps his relationships out of the spotlight.
Shawne “Lights Out” Merriman dominated the NFL as one of the most fearsome linebackers of the 2000s.
The Maryland native earned his nickname in high school after knocking four opposing players unconscious in a single game.
Selected 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft, Merriman made an immediate impact, winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
His first three seasons showcased his exceptional talent with 39.5 sacks, three Pro Bowl selections, and two All-Pro honors.
Merriman’s career trajectory changed after a steroid suspension in 2006 and a devastating knee injury in 2008.
Despite still leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in just 12 games during his suspension-shortened 2006 season, his effectiveness diminished following his knee reconstruction.
After struggling with injuries in San Diego, he was waived midseason in 2010 and claimed by the Buffalo Bills, where injuries continued to plague him.
He retired after the 2012 season, having recorded 45.5 career sacks over eight NFL seasons.
Since retirement, Merriman has transitioned into various ventures, including media appearances, WWE involvement, NASCAR team ownership, and launching his own MMA promotion, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, in 2019.
Shawne Merriman Has No Wife in 2025, Choosing Business Over Public Romance
As of May 2025, multiple sources confirm that Merriman is not married and does not currently have a wife.
At 40 years old, the former NFL star seems to be focused on his business ventures rather than publicizing romantic relationships.
Merriman’s social media presence, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, reveals a man dedicated to his professional endeavors.
His posts predominantly feature content related to football analysis, interviews, fan interactions, and his MMA promotion.
In a 2023 appearance on “The Bachelor,” where he participated as a football coach for a challenge, observers noted that he seemed to be “flying solo” in terms of relationships.
While some celebrity dating sites have occasionally linked him to other individuals, these connections lack substantial evidence or recent confirmation.
For fans interested in Merriman’s personal life, the former NFL star keeps things close to the vest, allowing his professional accomplishments and current ventures to take center stage instead.
His dating history includes Thamara Caldeira, Tila Tequila, Dollicia Bryan, and Kendra Wilkinson.
Shawne Merriman’s Controversial Relationships And Legal Battles
Perhaps his most publicized relationship was with Tila Tequila, the former MySpace personality and reality TV star.
The couple dated for approximately nine months before their split in September 2009.
Their breakup became controversial when Tequila accused Merriman of battery and false imprisonment during an incident at his home.
Authorities ultimately dropped the charges, with Merriman claiming he was preventing an intoxicated Tequila from driving.
The two later engaged in mutual lawsuits, with Merriman eventually winning a $2 million judgment against Tequila for trademark violation related to his “Lights Out” brand.
In a separate matter, Merriman faced a wrongful death lawsuit in 2017 following Kimberly Fattorini’s fatal overdose.
Her parents alleged Merriman drugged their daughter, pointing to text messages claiming he put something in her drink, suspected to be GHB.
When emergency responders found Fattorini, she was partially clothed with disheveled clothing.
Though a sexual assault examination was eventually requested by investigators based on new information, it was too late to perform one by that time.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Merriman appeared on MTV’s “The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros” in 2017, competing for his charity, the Lights On Foundation.
- He was featured in PETA’s “Ink Not Mink” campaign, showing off his tattoos to encourage people not to wear animal furs.
- In April 2024, Merriman made an appearance for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) at their Rebellion event, where he initially supported Joe Hendry but then turned on him with a clothesline, allowing Rich Swann to win the match.
