Shawne Merriman has vivid memories of the first time he matched up against Jon Runyan.
It was in 2005 at Philadelphia, midway through Merriman’s first season with the San Diego Chargers. Runyan, then an Eagles tackle, had a special introduction for the hot-shot linebacker who was on the path to winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
“There was a pass that went about 30 yards downfield, and I started to chase the play. He just grabbed me, and wouldn’t let go,” Merriman recalled for USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. “And he held me well after the play. Then he threw me to the ground.”
This is a fitting time to relive the drama. Runyan, who had a reputation as one of the NFL’s most profound cheap-shot artists during his 14-year career, was named Tuesday as the league’s vice president of policy and rules administration.
Of all people, Runyan is the NFL’s new duke of discipline.
Back to 2005 for a moment.
“Two series later, we had a fumble recovery,” continued Merriman, whose “Lights Out” nickname derived from knocking out four opponents in one half during a game in high school. “Who did I look for? I find Jon Runyan and hit him square on the chin and he went down.
“When he played, I did not like him. I always thought he was a dirty player. It’s funny. I absolutely hated him. He was the type that would hit after the play.”
In 2006, Runyan ranked second on a Sports Illustrated list of the NFL’s “dirtiest” players. Merriman remembers watching film before playing against Runyan and warning teammates, “Cover your legs!”
You might think Merriman would protest the NFL’s pick of Runyan – who served four years in Congress as a representative for New Jersey – for the gig. Hardly.
“I think it’s great,” said Merriman, who finished his career in 2012 and is now a media personality for Fox Sports. “And this is coming from a guy who at one time did not like him. He’s hard-nosed. And fair. I think he’ll be able to come down on people when he has to. And he won’t worry about being criticized.”
Merriman’s view of Runyan significantly changed over the years, perhaps proving that sometimes there’s forgiveness on the gridiron. A pivotal swing occurred in 2009, when they were Chargers teammates during Runyan’s final NFL campaign.
Was he a dirty player as a teammate?
“He was old,” Merriman cracked. “He didn’t have the mobility to be dirty.”
Runyan replaces former NFL safety Merton Hanks, who reviewed plays and administered discipline for more than a dozen years. Merriman figures that Runyan’s stint on Capitol Hill, combined with his experience in the trenches, provided good training.
“He’s prepared to do this,” Merriman contends. “And one thing about being in Congress: As a politician, you’ve got to be able to see both sides.”
Unless, of course, you’re looking for an edge.
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