Whitney Mercilus

Whitney Mercilus is an American football outside linebacker for the Houston Texans of the NFL. He was born in Akron, Ohio on July 21, 1990. He attended Garfield High School in Akron, Ohio, where he played football for the school team. He went on to attend college at the University of Illinois and played for the college football team the Illinois Fighting Illini. In 2011 he won the Ted Hendricks Award, the Bill Willis Award and the CFPA Defensive Performer of the Year. In 2012 he was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the NFL Draft, 26th overall, and was considered one of the best defensive end prospects for that year. In 2013 he was signed to a four-year, $7.63 million contract that included a signing bonus of $3.99 million. He made his debut in the season opening game against the Miami Dolphins. In 2015 he was signed to a four-year extension contract for $26 million with a signing bonus of $5.25 million. Over his career in the NFL he has 276 total tackles, 42.5 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries.