Richard Casey Merrill (born July 16, 1957) is a former professional American football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Green Bay Packers (1979–1982), New York Giants (1983–1986) and the New Orleans Saints in the 1986 season. 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.

Casey Merrill
No. 78, 71
Position:Defensive end
Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born: (1957-07-16) July 16, 1957 (age 67)
Oakland, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:254 lb (115 kg)
Career information
High school:Monte Vista
(Danville, California)
College:UC Davis
NFL draft:1979 / round: 5 / pick: 113
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Sacks:29.0
Fumble recoveries:4
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Merrill graduated from Monte Vista High School in Danville, California.

Professional career

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Merrill spent nine seasons in professional football as a defensive end and outside linebacker. Blessed with exceptional speed (4.65 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. In the 1981 season Merrill had 7 sacks and 3 fumble recoveries for the Green Bay Packers. In the strike shortened 1982 season Casey had 4 sacks. In 1984 with the New York Giants, Merrill led all Giant defensive lineman with 11.5 sacks, including 1 in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers bringing Joe Montana down with a crushing hit.

After football

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Merrill now works as the Regional Manager Director of the Western United States for Apprise by Walker & Dunlop, based in Irvine, California. He is married to Nilda Merrill and they have two sons, Casey and Zach, as well as three daughters, Ella, Samantha, and Alexandrea; and 2 granddaughters. He lives in Bermuda Dunes, California.[1]

References

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