Former NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman has signed a deal with the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation (WBKFF) to compete in a boxing match later this year.

Merriman has teased the possibility of competing in combat sports, notably mixed martial arts, for years. A three-time Pro Bowl selection with the San Diego Chargers, Merriman — whose nickname while playing was “Lights Out” — retired from professional football in 2013.

“Right now, this is the best opportunity for what I want to do,” Merriman said in a released statement to ESPN. “I’ve been kicking tires for years, this is a good place for me to start. I’m looking forward to having some fun out there. I get to train for the next six to eight weeks and go show everyone what I can do.”

A date and opponent for Merriman’s bout has yet to be determined. The event will take place this fall in Casper, Wyoming, and is expected to air via pay-per-view online.

“We are thrilled to have Shawne as part of our team,” said WBKFF CEO Tom Stankiewicz. “Shawne was a proven warrior on the field and we look forward to seeing him in the ring. We feel Shawne’s signing with WBKFF opens the doors to champions from all sports, and shows that he has the guts and courage to step into this gladiator’s sport.”

In June, a promotion called Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship staged the first state-sanctioned bare-knuckle boxing event in U.S. history in Cheyenne, Wyoming. I’m definitely down to watch this.