Jeff Merrow
Encyclopedia
Jeffrey Colin Merrow was a defensive lineman who played nine seasons in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons
. Merrow played collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers
. Merrow's son, Thor, is a current fullback
and defensive lineman for the University of North Alabama.
in 1972 and in his freshman season Merrow recorded a lone interception. As a sophomore, in 1973, Merrow led head coach Bobby Bowden's
defense with 141 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, and a fumble recovery. In his junior season, 1974, Merrow recorded 134 tackles, 7 for a loss, 3 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
in the 1975 NFL Draft
in the 11th round, 263rd overall. In his rookie season, 1975, Merrow played in and started 12 games. From 1976 to 1978, he played and started in 14 games on each season. In 1979, Merrow only played in three games on the year, due to injury cutting his season short. In 1980, Merrow started all 16 games on the year for the first time in his career. In 1982, Merrow only played in 8 games, starting seven. At age 30 in 1983, Merrow ended his professional career by playing in all 16 games, recording 3 sacks on the year.
Merrow's youngest son, Thor followed in his father's footsteps, accepting a scholarship offer to play at WVU in 2005. Thor is currently a back-up tight end at the University of North Alabama under head coach Terry Bowden.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Merrow played collegiately for the West Virginia Mountaineers
West Virginia Mountaineers
The West Virginia Mountaineers are the athletic teams of West Virginia University. The school is a member of National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and the Big East Conference. On July 1, 2012 the Mountaineers will switch conferences, moving from the Big East to the Big 12, becoming...
. Merrow's son, Thor, is a current fullback
Fullback (American football)
A fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
and defensive lineman for the University of North Alabama.
Collegiate career
Jeff Merrow enrolled at West Virginia UniversityWest Virginia University
West Virginia University is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia, USA. Other campuses include: West Virginia University at Parkersburg in Parkersburg; West Virginia University Institute of Technology in Montgomery; Potomac State College of West Virginia University in Keyser;...
in 1972 and in his freshman season Merrow recorded a lone interception. As a sophomore, in 1973, Merrow led head coach Bobby Bowden's
Bobby Bowden
Robert Cleckler "Bobby" Bowden is a retired college football coach. He coached the Florida State Seminoles football team from the 1976 to 2009 seasons...
defense with 141 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, and a fumble recovery. In his junior season, 1974, Merrow recorded 134 tackles, 7 for a loss, 3 sacks, and two fumble recoveries.
Professional career
Merrow was drafted by the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
in the 1975 NFL Draft
1975 NFL Draft
The 1975 National Football League Draft was held on January 28–29, 1975.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
in the 11th round, 263rd overall. In his rookie season, 1975, Merrow played in and started 12 games. From 1976 to 1978, he played and started in 14 games on each season. In 1979, Merrow only played in three games on the year, due to injury cutting his season short. In 1980, Merrow started all 16 games on the year for the first time in his career. In 1982, Merrow only played in 8 games, starting seven. At age 30 in 1983, Merrow ended his professional career by playing in all 16 games, recording 3 sacks on the year.
Current
Merrow now lives in Buford, Georgia, where he owns a business that sells heavy-duty truck lifts.Merrow's youngest son, Thor followed in his father's footsteps, accepting a scholarship offer to play at WVU in 2005. Thor is currently a back-up tight end at the University of North Alabama under head coach Terry Bowden.