Career
Merkens was a 1973 graduate of Edison High School in San Antonio, then played both quarterback and defensive back for Sam Houston State University. His versatility became a hallmark of his professional career. In his first two seasons in the NFL, he was primarily a punt return specialist.
During his tenure with the Saints, he served as the third-string quarterback, holder for field goals and special teams player.
With occasional time as a wide receiver, punter or safety. His penchant for being the emergency backup for all of the aforementioned positions earned him the reputation of a "jack of all trades".
In 2007, the Houston Chronicle reported that Merkens was working as the general manager of a CarMax dealership in the city.
