Merriman battling to save career

In what is a stark reminder of the realities of life in the National Football league, San Diego Chargers LB Shawne Merriman has confirmed that he has a serious knee injury that could see him miss not just this season, but potentially jeopardise the rest of his career.

As yet, the only details known are that it is a loose ligament in his knee, and that Merriman is waiting to hear from specialist Dr James Andrews as to whether he will require reconstructive surgery, which would at minimum mean he would miss the entire 2008 season. The risks inherent with such an operation mean that even should he come back, there is no guarantee that the knee will be stable enough to allow him to perform to NFL levels.

At just 24, Merriman has commited to working with Fox Sports this season, something that indicates that he is already considering the implications of losing this battle. As an articulate and bright guy, Merriman should have no difficulty adapting to the TV lights, but it is unusual to see a player do so at such a young age. It's hard not to assume at this point that Merriman has been told that there is a high probability that he may not play in the NFL again.