Jeff Merrow

NFL player


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DateOfBirth=birth date|1953|7|12|mf=y
Birthplace=Akron, Ohio
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Position=Defensive end
College=West Virginia
DraftedYear=1975
DraftedRound=11 / Pick 263
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years=1975-1983
teams=Atlanta Falcons
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Jeffrey Colin Merrow (born July 12, 1953 in Akron, Ohio) 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 Mountaineers.

Collegiate career

Jeff Merrow enrolled at West Virginia University 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.

Professional career

Merrow was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons 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.