Mike Merriweather is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was born on November 30, 1959, in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he played college football.
Merriweather was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 1982 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Steelers' defense, earning a reputation as a hard-hitting and aggressive linebacker. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times during his career, in 1984, 1985, and 1987.
In 1989, Merriweather was traded to the Minnesota Vikings, where he continued to play at a high level. He led the Vikings in sacks in both 1989 and 1990, and was named to the Pro Bowl for a fourth time in 1990.
After the 1990 season, Merriweather signed with the Green Bay Packers as a free agent. He played two seasons with the Packers, but his production declined as he battled injuries. He retired from the NFL after the 1993 season.
Over the course of his career, Merriweather recorded 12 interceptions, 20.5 sacks, and 10 fumble recoveries. He was known for his physical style of play and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He was also a team leader and a respected veteran in the locker room.
Merriweather's career was not without controversy, however. In 1988, he was fined $10,000 by the NFL for a late hit on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg. The hit was so violent that it knocked Krieg's helmet off and caused him to suffer a concussion. Merriweather was also involved in a number of on-field altercations throughout his career, and was known for his fiery temper.
Despite these incidents, Merriweather is remembered as one of the best linebackers of his era. He was a dominant force on the field, and his hard-nosed style of play inspired his teammates and intimidated his opponents. He was inducted into the Pacific University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995, and his legacy as a fierce competitor and respected leader lives on in the NFL today.
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