Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman signed a deal with the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation on Wednesday, according to ESPN.com's Brett Okamoto.
Merriman said the following about his decision to try his hand at combat sports: "Right now, this is the best opportunity for what I want to do. I've been kicking tires for years; this is a good place for me to start. I'm looking forward to having some fun out there. I get to train for the next six to eight weeks and go show everyone what I can do.