Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 31, 2026

Jim Merlo

James Louis Merlo is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal. Merlo started collecting beer cans after being inspired by Saints teammate Steve Baumgartner. As of 1975, Merlo had 800 beer cans.

Last revised
Jul 31, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
149 w
Citations
3
Source
Jim Merlo
No. 57
PositionLinebacker
Personal information
Born (1951-10-03) October 3, 1951
Sanger, California, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight221 lb (100 kg)
Career information
CollegeStanford
NFL draft1973: 4th round, 86th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Sacks6
Fumble recoveries11
Interceptions8
Stats at Pro Football Reference

James Louis Merlo (born October 3, 1951) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL).1 He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal. Merlo started collecting beer cans after being inspired by Saints teammate Steve Baumgartner.2 As of 1975, Merlo had 800 beer cans.2

References

References

  1. Masumoto, Dave (May 26, 1977). "Jim Merlo reflects on his career". Sanger Herald. pp. D2. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  2. Hudspeth, Ron (October 30, 1975). "Habit Brewing: Saints' Baumgartner Collects Beer Cans". The Atlanta Journal. Retrieved May 21, 2026.