Lights (out), Camera, Action

It's not uncommon for an active NFL player to join the studio production of the NFL Network, ESPN, etc. when the player's team has a bye week or in the post-season when his team has been eliminated from the playoffs. However, Shawne Merriman is taking it to a new level.

The Chargers linebacker will be an in-studio analyst for FSN's Pro Football Preview, which Fox says will be the first time a current player has served in a full-time capacity for any national pregame studio show for any sport.

The show will be taped in Los Angeles on Thursdays, and Merriman will be flown by private plane to and from San Diego so that he doesn't miss practices. He will be joined on the show by host Jay Glazer and analyst Eddie George.

Merriman is one of the best players on one of the few legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Should the San Diego Chargers prevent him from appearing on FSN's Pro Football Review? I don't know the answer, but it's question likely to be asked if Merriman and the Chargers underperform.