Merriman was later named the cover athlete .
The candidates were defensive ends Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts and Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins , and linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers .
linebacker was later named the cover athlete .
The candidates were defensive ends Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts and Jason Taylor of the Miami Dolphins , and linebacker Shawne Merriman of the San Diego Chargers .