Shawne Merriman, the former San Diego Chargers outside linebacker who terrorized quarterbacks before injuries derailed his career, has announced his retirement, per USA Today.

Merriman made the announcement on his website as he walks away from the NFL at age 28.

Merriman was the Chargers first-round pick in 2005 and had 10 sacks as a rookie and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. Merriman had 17 sacks the next year, despite missing four games for a suspension due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Injuries began to unravel his career, starting in 2008, and he finished up with a couple of stints with the Buffalo Bills the past two seasons.

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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com