A native of Upper Marlboro, Md., former Terps and NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman has always been a Maryland guy at heart -- and giving back to his community has always been important to him.
Merriman was homeless for a time during childhood because two of his homes were lost to fires. Because of this, he made it a priority to help those who are less fortunate if he was ever in a position to do so. He started a coat drive during his sophomore year at the University of Maryland in 2003.
The coat drive has been going strong for 17 years. This year's event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Xfinity Center starting at 3:30 p.m. ahead of the Maryland men's basketball team's Big Ten opener against Illinois at 5 p.m.
