Career
Born in Oakland, California, he played college football at the University of California at Davis and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1979 NFL Draft. Merrill spent nine seasons in professional football as a defensive end and outside linebacker. Blessed with exceptional speed (465 40 yard dash), Merrill became the first designated pass rusher in the NFL to line up and pass rush from both defensive line and linebacker positions.
Merrill now works part-time as a football and wrestling coach at Palm Desert High School in Palm Desert, California.
He has two sons, Zach and Casey as well as three daughters, Ella, Samantha, and AJ.