Merril Hoge
Former NFL Star, ESPN Analyst, & Cancer Survivor
Merril Hoge was drafted in 1987 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played until 1993. He led the team in rushing and receiving in four of his first five years, setting a record in his third year for receptions by a running back. In 1993, Hoge went to the Chicago Bears as a free agent, where he played for one year, until he was forced to retire early due to post-concussion syndrome. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Hoge had played in 122 consecutive football games, the longest playing streak in the NFL at that time.
In 1995, Hoge joined ESPN as a football analyst, where he currently works with Ron Jaworski on the highly acclaimed NFL Match Up show, which is the only show that uses and studies coaches’ tape to provide an inside look at the game. Hoge has distinguished himself through his in-depth knowledge of both offense and defense and his strong relationships with the coaches and players in the NFL. Hoge is also an analyst for the ESPN shows NFL Live, Sports Center, Primetime, and NFL Countdown.
Hoge’s first book is entitled, Find A Way: Three Words That Changed My Life. “Find A Way” has been his philosophy since he was twelve years old. This philosophy has helped him to attain his goals, such as playing in the NFL, as well as overcoming challenges and setbacks, from the death of his mother when he was young, to having to end his football career due to head trauma, and being diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Merril took on chemotherapy with the same tenacity that got him to the NFL.
Hoge has long been a sought-after speaker in sharing this story with the corporate world and civic groups in helping them to find a way to achieve their goals and overcome their setbacks and challenges. His experience is proof that what separates the extraordinary individual from the ordinary one is the will and determination to find a way to succeed. His presentations not only detail his personal battles, but also help others gain courage, resilience, and an undying spirit--motivating and inspiring audiences to overcome any obstacle in their lives.
Since his playing days, Hoge has been on the Board of the Highmark Caring Foundation, and is currently Chairman of the Board. The Caring Foundation has created four centers for grieving children, adolescents and their families, called the Highmark Caring Place, located in downtown and suburban Pittsburgh, as well as in Erie and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They are of particular meaning to Hoge, having lost his own mother when he was 21, and seeing the effect it had on his then-16-year-old brother.
As a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in Education and a minor in Health and Fitness, Hoge was a four-year football starter, and left with 44 school and conference records, and two NCAA football records.
Interested in booking Merril Hoge to speak at your next event?
In 1995, Hoge joined ESPN as a football analyst, where he currently works with Ron Jaworski on the highly acclaimed NFL Match Up show, which is the only show that uses and studies coaches’ tape to provide an inside look at the game. Hoge has distinguished himself through his in-depth knowledge of both offense and defense and his strong relationships with the coaches and players in the NFL. Hoge is also an analyst for the ESPN shows NFL Live, Sports Center, Primetime, and NFL Countdown.
Hoge’s first book is entitled, Find A Way: Three Words That Changed My Life. “Find A Way” has been his philosophy since he was twelve years old. This philosophy has helped him to attain his goals, such as playing in the NFL, as well as overcoming challenges and setbacks, from the death of his mother when he was young, to having to end his football career due to head trauma, and being diagnosed with cancer in 2003. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Merril took on chemotherapy with the same tenacity that got him to the NFL.
Hoge has long been a sought-after speaker in sharing this story with the corporate world and civic groups in helping them to find a way to achieve their goals and overcome their setbacks and challenges. His experience is proof that what separates the extraordinary individual from the ordinary one is the will and determination to find a way to succeed. His presentations not only detail his personal battles, but also help others gain courage, resilience, and an undying spirit--motivating and inspiring audiences to overcome any obstacle in their lives.
Since his playing days, Hoge has been on the Board of the Highmark Caring Foundation, and is currently Chairman of the Board. The Caring Foundation has created four centers for grieving children, adolescents and their families, called the Highmark Caring Place, located in downtown and suburban Pittsburgh, as well as in Erie and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They are of particular meaning to Hoge, having lost his own mother when he was 21, and seeing the effect it had on his then-16-year-old brother.
As a graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in Education and a minor in Health and Fitness, Hoge was a four-year football starter, and left with 44 school and conference records, and two NCAA football records.
Interested in booking Merril Hoge to speak at your next event?
Contact Hachette Speakers Bureau.
866.376.6591
info@hachettespeakersbureau.com
