Brodie Merrill

Brodie Merrill, born November 5, 1981, is a Canadian former professional lacrosse player, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in lacrosse history in both the indoor and outdoor game. Born in Montreal and raised from the age of eight in Orangeville, he was a First-team All-American at Georgetown and won the Schmeisser Award as defensive player of the year in his senior season. In the National Lacrosse League he was the first player taken overall in the 2005 draft by the Portland LumberJax, was named both Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2006, later played for the Edmonton Rush and the Philadelphia Wings, and captained the San Diego Seals, who retired his number 17 jersey. The Premier Lacrosse League credits him with revolutionizing the long stick midfielder position and names its Long Stick Midfielder of the Year Award for him.