Biography

BIOGRAPHY

Whitney Mercilus was born on July 21st, 1990, in Akron, Ohio, and currently plays outside linebacker in the NFL. Mercilus attended Garfield High School and played college football at the University of Illinois.

During high school, as a senior, Mercilus was considered a three-star defensive end prospect by the Rivals.com recruiting service. He posted 36 solo tackles, six for loss, two sacks and four fumble recoveries, including one for a 36-yard touchdown, in 2007, also caught 24 passes for 417 yards and eight touchdowns.

Mercilus played for the University of Notre Dame football team from 2009 to 2011. He broke out during his junior season in 2011, leading the country in quarterback sacks (16) and forced fumbles (9) while primarily playing at the defensive end position. At the conclusion of the 2011 season, Mercilus was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media. He won the 2011 Ted Hendricks Award, 2011 Bill Willis Award, and 2011 CFPA Defensive Performer of the Year, in addition to being recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American. On January 3, 2012, Mercilus announced his decision to forgo his remaining eligibility and enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans selected Mercilus in the first round (26th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft. On June 13, 2012, the Houston Texans signed Mercilus to a four-year contract. On May 4, 2015, the Houston Texans signed Mercilus to a four-year contract extension. He most recently signed a contract extension in 2019 until 2023.