Former NFL All-Pro Shawn Merriman: Jamahal Hill’s recovery from Achilles tendon injury is ‘easier’ in mixed martial arts than in soccer

Former NFL player Shawne Merriman, known for his achievements on the field, has been involved in mixed martial arts for almost 20 years. He currently promotes Lights Out Extreme MMA, an event scheduled for January 6th in Long Beach, California.

When former UFC champion Jamahal Hill tore his Achilles tendon during a pickup basketball game with another MMA fighter, Merriman, who has experienced his own Achilles injuries, reached out to him. He offered advice and guidance based on his personal experience and recommended specific treatments, workouts, and supplements to aid in the recovery process.

Having personally dealt with Achilles tendon issues after being released by the San Diego Chargers in 2010, Merriman believes that the recovery process for MMA athletes is easier compared to football players due to differences in training methods and activity schedules. He emphasized that MMA athletes can train at their own pace and have the flexibility to adjust their intensity based on how they feel, whereas football players have a regimented schedule and are required to perform regardless of their physical condition.

Merriman is confident that Hill will recover successfully and believes that his injury will be fully healed by the time he returns to the cage, noting that the nature of MMA training allows for a smoother recovery process compared to the demands of football.